Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Park County folks value independence. We can tell when someone is speaking for themselves versus carrying water for an organization. That’s the reason I’m writing about Commissioner Mike Story and the way he approaches his work.
Over the years, Story has shown he’s not tied to nonprofits, donor networks, or coordinated advocacy efforts. He listens to regular residents—the people who drive these roads, run small businesses, work the land, and deal with the day to day impacts of county decisions. He’s an individualist in the way many Montanans understand it: someone who thinks for himself and keeps his focus on his constituency.
His opponent, Frank O’Connor, on the other hand, served as a spokesperson for the “No on Referendum 1” campaign. The campaign was staffed and partially funded by the Park County Environmental Council and Friends of Park County operating as political incidental committees for that effort. Those groups have every right to take a position, but it’s worth noting that we already have a sitting commissioner who also served as a spokesperson for the “No” campaign. Park County doesn’t need two commissioners tied into the same nonprofit driven effort. What we need is balance—and leaders who bring different perspectives to the table, especially those grounded in everyday citizens rather than organized advocacy networks.
What I appreciate about Story is that he doesn’t chase headlines or try to impress whichever group is loudest at the moment. He’s willing to take a tough position even if he’s the only one in the room saying it. He shows up for the citizen—plain and simple.
I’m not here to tell anyone how to vote. Folks in Park County make up their own minds. I’m just sharing why I value Story’s independent, citizen oriented approach and why it stands out to me in this race.
Sheila Royston