Missoula sheds itself of contentious council member

by: Jay Stevens

Wed Nov 04, 2009 at 07:52:03 AM MST

Marler, Strohmaier, and Jaffe cruised to victories.

Sadly, Dick Haines retained his seat on the council. It's not about the politics -- I think everybody benefits with good, reasonable opposition voices -- it's about Haines' obstructionism, lawsuits, and general behavior in city government. Thankfully, Houseman's victory further marginalizes Haines.

Kudos go out to all of those who worked hard in these races, either with donations, phone calls, or door knocking. Your work made a difference in Missoula.

On the city council results, Missoula's future, voter turnout, and Forward Montana

by: Jay Stevens

Thu Nov 08, 2007 at 13:14:44 PM MST

But what's clear is that a majority of forward-thinking candidates on this year's ballot were rewarded with council seats, running on a platform of smart growth and housing opportunities for all, while preserving Missoula 's unique wilderness areas. Missoulians love their new swimming pools and newly protected wild spaces; Missoulians like the housing opportunities smart infill brings - or at least understand the infrastructure and market advantages that accompany it.

In short, it was a clear choice between planning for the future, and saying no to growth. Don Nicholson, in the Missoulian:

[Nicholson] said both he and Walzer ran vigorous campaigns, showed clear differences and let the voters decide. The voters did, and Nicholson said he told people all along he would be OK, win or lose. He plans to catch up on some chores, such as yardwork, and participate in some family activities. He plans to remain involved in city life as well.

Municipal election results

by: Jay Stevens

Wed Nov 07, 2007 at 08:04:16 AM MST

Both of the Iraqi war referendums passed. In Missoula, 64 percent of voters asked their delegates to bring home the troops, and in Helena 61 percent of voters did the same. That's about as lopsided as it gets. Let's hope this adds a little more action and urgency to our Senators who've already spoken out against the war, and causes our sole Representative to reconsider his as yet unflagging support of President Bush.

In the Missoula city council elections the news was good, too. First, Jason Wiener won his ward 1 race in a rout. Jason's a good friend; we shared an office together at the University for a short while. I can say this with confidence: Missoula has just elected one of the smartest people you'll ever meet, and I'm confident the council, city, and citizens will benefit by his presence in our city government. Congratulations to Jason.