Editorial

Some people may wonder why members of this newspaper are taking on the responsibility of informing the public that Wesley Headdress might not be eligible to serve as the Roosevelt County sheriff.

It’s not a personal attack on the candidate, but rather a statement that the law should be followed. Montana’s law clearly says that a person isn’t eligible for the position of sheriff if he has been convicted of a crime for which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary. Mr. Headdress has been convicted of felony theft in Fort Peck tribal court regarding ceremonial guns purchased by Fort Peck’s Veterans Affairs Department for a fund-raising auction.

This newspaper has a history of protecting our county from candidates who aren’t even eligible to seek office. A few years ago, publisher Darla Downs won her complaint against then-county attorney Frank Piocos when both a district judge and then the Montana Supreme Court agreed with her that Piocos wasn’t a resident of the county and, therefore, not eligible to hold the office.

The newspaper itself doesn’t have legal “standing” in such matters because the newspaper isn’t an actual voter. Therefore, the newspaper’s publisher and owner must take on the charge on legal documents in these situations.

Lawsuits such as these take up a ton of time and research. Although hours are short for everyone, the effort is needed for our communities. It would be admirable if others would step up to take on such endeavors, but we are willing to take on such responsibility.

Again, it’s not a battle against an individual, but, rather, a fight to make sure law and justice are maintained.

A role of a community newspaper can certainly cover a lot of areas from covering government meetings to high school volleyball matches. Representing the dignity of our county’s elections are yet another role. We hope you support us and appreciate the efforts during this situation.