Letter to the Editor
Opinion Editorials state the views solely of the author and do not reflect the views of the Community Journal.
Here’s Why I’m Backing Mike Story
Dear Editor,
My family settled in the Upper Shields Valley generations ago, back when this country was still being carved out by hand, horse, and grit. That history shapes how I look at county leadership. I pay attention to who understands rural life not as a talking point, but as something lived every day.
In 2022, I supported Mike Story’s opponent for County Commissioner. At the time, I believed sticking with the status quo would best serve the communities I grew up in.
Over the past several years, I’ve had the chance to observe Mike Story more closely—in meetings, conversations with residents, and the way he carries himself when tensions run high. What stands out to me now is his calm demeanor and genuine understanding of rural issues. He listens. He doesn’t escalate. And he recognizes the realities facing people who live and work outside town limits, from road maintenance and emergency response to the day to day challenges of working country.
His fellow commissioners have publicly praised that same steadiness, noting his ability to chair contentious meetings without adding fuel to the fire. In a time when local government can easily become polarized or performative, that kind of leadership is worth paying attention to.
I don’t expect to agree with any commissioner on every issue. But I do value steadiness and respect for rural communities—qualities that have carried families through life in the Shields Valley for generations. Over time, I’ve seen those same qualities in Mike Story, and that’s why my perspective has changed. I'll be voting for Mike Story.
Brad Wilson
Wilsall
Endorsement of Frank O’Connor
Dear Editor,
This fall, I have had the honor of getting to know Frank O’Connor, and what I have learned about him is incredibly compelling. In my opinion, he will make a phenomenal County Commissioner.
In my interactions with Frank, I have found him to be highly knowledgeable regarding business and finances. He is an excellent listener who does not rush to respond; instead, he takes time to truly think about a question and provide a thoughtful, reasoned answer. He is incredibly willing to work hard and dive directly into difficult situations.
Our county needs a leader who is capable of analyzing budgets and resolving conflict effectively. Because of these qualities, I am proud to be working with Frank on his campaign, and I encourage everyone in our community to research his platform ahead of the upcoming election. We need an intelligent and considerate Commissioner who will not back down from difficult work. My vote is for Frank O’Connor for County Commissioner.
Sincerely,
Ellen Smith
On the Ballot Issues
Dear Editor,
Make no mistake, 1-194 does not remove big money from Montana politics. Just follow the money. Who is bankrolling Constitutional lnitiative-194? A nonprofit called “Transparent Election Initiative,” in addition to politicians like AOC, Pete Buttigeg, Sam Forstag and Jon Tester, who are among the promoters in states like New York, California, Colorado, and Hawaii. According to the montanachamber.com, “Under 1-194, a single well-funded outsider could bankroll a campaign to devastate a Montana agricultural practice, logging operation, or ranching family, while the Montana businesses under attack would be legally silenced.” That is not campaign finance reform. That is a one-sided disarmament of Montana's own voices.” Vote no on CI-194.
Don't weaken Montana's Constitution and vote no on CI33. Again, follow the money. Cl-133 is promoted by “Montanans Decide,” who are partly funded by groups such as the "Fairness Project,” who support progressive ballot measures nationwide and "American Opportunity Action” funded in large part by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. Their spokesperson, SK Rossi, is the Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for the ACLU of Montana. Cl-133 changes the Montana Constitution to sidestep our elected Legislature, opening the Constitution to agenda-driven measures that would fail if put to a vote of the people. Cl-133 seeks to weaken the guardrails for making changes to our Constitution.
Lastly, “nonpartisan” judicial elections are a dangerous deception. Supreme Court judges are already voted on as nonpartisan, which hides the candidate's party loyalty. For example, read the letter exposing the actual party loyalty of Amy Eddy, running "nonpartisan" for MT Supreme Court judge, at Parkrepublicansmt.com. The word “nonpartisan” misleads voters. Cl-132 allows activist judges to hide behind a false “nonpartisan” label. Candidates largely donate and receive money to and from one party or the other. And, once more, follow the money. Further evidence of the partisan nature of Cl-132 is the coalition of organizations funding efforts to push C1-132 in Montana. These include, among others: Montana Federation of Public Employees, ACLU of Montana, Catalyst Montana, Forward Montana, Fireweed Campaigns, and Big Sky 55+, many of which are likely funded by networks of out-of-state donors with left-wing ideologies. So, vote no on CI-132.
Helen Longshore
Livingston
In Support of Mike Story
Dear Editor,
I would like to say a few things about Mike Story that I have learned from personal experience over the years. First and foremost, Mike is always available when called upon.
For instance, I had an incident on Cokedale Road one winter during a snowstorm. The county had received plenty of snow, the plows were incredibly busy and Cokedale road had not yet been cleared. I had been down the road that morning and people were struggling to come and go. There was only one track, and if someone came through from the opposite direction, it could be very dangerous, with a 20 to 30-foot sharp drop-off on the south side.
I called Mike, and within a few hours the plows had cleared the road.
During a different year, I had another issue on Cokedale Road—and low and behold, the issue was handled in short order. I admit that it may have been on the docket anyway, but it was taken care of soon after my call to Mike Story.
I have known Mike for four or five years and have found him to be approachable, kind and tactful.
As a landowner himself, Mike wants what is best for Park County, all of its landowners and residents. I think Mike Story is doing an excellent job as a Park County Commissioner. As chairman, he has earned the respect of the other commissioners.
A vote for MIKE STORY is a vote for all of Park County!
Thank you,
Elton Dodge
Endorsing Mike Story
Dear Editor,
Mike Story is your candidate for Park County Commissioner!
He researches the issues before each meeting so that he comes prepared with resolve and yet with an open mind, willing to hear other ideas before making his decision.
Mike always answers when I call or returns my call as promptly as possible. He knows the importance of property rights.
In the book of Deuteronomy, we are reminded that God's people came from slavery and, with good stewardship, a brighter future lies ahead.
I'm sure you remember the previous three county commissioners, how they turned their backs on our property values and concern for future generations. They never were presented with an expense that we couldn't afford! We are still recovering from their foolish unison spending. Don't let us go back to this way of governing!
If you care about your historic Park County values, there is nothing more urgent than your vote for the one who will keep your property rights frontmost.
Vote to re-elect Mike Story for Park County Commissioner!
Dave Carter
Livingston
Endorsement of Cheyenne Adler
Dear Editor,
You didn’t see her face. You didn’t catch her name. You heard her voice. She helped.
For half a decade, Cheyenne Adler served Park County as a 911 Dispatcher. Days, nights, weekends, holidays. A calm voice connecting those living perhaps the most difficult day of their lives to always ready first responders. She has a servant’s heart.
That heart drew Cheyenne to the Park County Clerk of District Court’s Office as a Deputy Clerk. Like Dispatch, nobody brings anything small into the Clerk of Court’s Office. Clerks use multiple computer systems to navigate felony criminal cases, high dollar civil cases, mental health commitment cases, divorces, custody, and more. She learned at such remarkable speed I used to joke about her photographic memory.
That’s expected from a home-grown scholar like Cheyenne. She graduated with honors from Park High. Academic scholarships took her to University of Montana Western, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology.
A successful small business owner, Cheyenne and her husband are owner-operators of Livingston Special Lube. She’s made schedules, managed staff, and prepared budgets. She can also change your oil.
Until July, four people served in the Clerk’s Office. Cheyenne Adler became an Office of One. A Clerk of District Court with no staff. She could have left, but her servant’s heart wouldn’t let her. She’s helped with transition of a new District Court Judge, Treatment Court Coordinator, and law clerk. She’s hired good deputies.
It is said the finest steel is forged only in the hottest fires. That’s your Park County Clerk of District Court Cheyenne Adler. When Park County needed her, no matter how difficult the situation or great the challenge was, she was there. The calm voice here to help.
Vote Chyenne Adler for Park County Clerk of District Court.
Molly Bradberry
Former Clerk of District Court