Letters to the

ditor Dear Editor:

The last city council meeting ended with a 6-2 vote not to stop the sale of Triangle Park. This came after nearly 70 citizens voiced their strong opposition to the sale, albeit later than the city requested, mostly because a lot of people no longer read the paper, or whatever. The point being they now have.

More money and resources will now be squandered for selling the park, that’s only crime was to be placed squarely in the center of a much bigger problem. The elephant in the room is one that couldn’t be much bigger, and that is this, folks: we are now willing to sell off our city property to the highest bidder because the city refuses to enforce city ordinances keeping drunkards, panhandlers, loiterers and such from our midst?

And, for all of you that want to sell it, tell me why? Is it that you no longer are willing to stand for the rule of law either? Bingo. The emperor has no clothes, people. See for yourself, and it’s really sad and pathetic what has happened to our town and will continue to happen if people don’t put their feet down and speak out about it. No, wait, we have spoken out about it, but the city council in its infinite wisdom thinks it’s far better to spend even more time and money (even tough 70 odd people said to cease and desist.) Is this the people’s town or the city council’s? A bit of a “deep state,” maybe?

Councilman Mahlum stated a plan to add several similar tables to Nellie’s Park. Dean, where in Sam Hill are the ones the city took from Triangle? Are they cleaned yet? Nellie’s Park will end up a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money and the city’s time. Along with the demise of Triangle Park, (that was to be “granted and donated to the public forever, by the way), for little, if any, profit. And you still have the problem nobody wants to address.

The city has city ordinances to remove public intoxication, rowdies and such, but, if they are tribal members, they can’t arrest them because the tribes call it a Class B misdemeanor. I understand that if it was moved to a Class A misdemeanor, they could then be arrested and taken to jail.

Mayor Dschaak, it is my understanding that it is your duty to enforce city ordinances, then do it! And, although some can’t be arrested, they can be cited and removed.

You work for the taxpayers of Wolf Point, kicking the can down the road is not only wrong, it has now become pathetic.

Unchecked, unfettered and unaccountable crime is the problem, people. Until we get a handle on that, I’m afraid to say this town will continue to spiral downward into the pit of despair and putting a band aid on a gaping wound won’t solve it anymore than putting lipstick on a pig.

I’m going to go now, and think that this will be my last word on this issue. Then again, maybe not.

Scott “Pondoro” Taylor ***

Dear Editor:

I would like to take the time to address Mr. Scott Taylor as well as the residents of Wolf Point on some of the topics that Mr. Taylor has brought up over a series of letters to the Northern Plains Independent

as well as letters presented to the city council. I do understand Mr. Taylor’s concern and will attempt to present my response so that it is available to as many as I can reach.

I would like to add that during my years as mayor of Wolf Point, I have strived to maintain a very open meeting policy by allowing any and all public comment during the meetings and publicly posting the live meetings online for years. I’m always advocating public involvement for the city council in all aspects big or small and will continue to do so.

Mr. Taylor wrote that I “bear most of the responsibility for this,” referring to the vote to sell Triangle Park. This is a false statement, as I have been one of the public opponents of the sale for years. During that last parks committee meeting, I continued to voice my opposition to the sale, commenting only that any proposition that brought the potential for more jobs in our area would be a positive. My position on any sale of public areas remains the same — we have limited green areas right now and losing any would be a loss for the community.

I would add that, as the mayor, it is my responsibility to lead our council meetings, and, by that notion, I am required to act on all motions presented to the council following Robert’s Rules of Order. If a motion is entered and seconded, it is my responsibility to follow through with that motion, allowing a vote. If Mr. Taylor is referencing that as my responsibility, then yes it is, but it is my job.

Mr. Taylor also claims that it is my “duty to enforce city ordinances.” That is completely true. The mayor is the CEO of the city. Mayors have direct authority to ensure that within the jurisdictional boundary of the city, all ordinances are respected, observed and enforced. I would also include that the mayor and city council grant the authority to the police department to enforce all ordinance and criminal codes. That includes authority to issue citations or make arrests, depending on the severity of the offense.

Where we live does make it complicated. Since there are federal, state, tribal and city laws, there is a jurisdictional nightmare pertaining to enforcement. The jurisdiction dictates what court system you fall under, either tribal or county/city. Where as I agree with Mr. Taylor on the enforcement, there is no mention to the rest of the judicial system which is a huge part. All the law enforcement agencies can issue citations and make arrests, but, without the court systems holding the offenders responsible, it's a battle we are fighting with no real solutions or end.

I would end by saying that I respect and advocate for any and all public involvement in the city government. It doesn't matter whether I or the council all agree on the topics for discussion or even if the outcome isn’t what I would like, but simply that I will always ensure open comment about any topics pertaining to the city. That is a crucial point for any government to run efficiently, and for the betterment of the people. Chris Dschaak Mayor of Wolf Point ***

Dear Editor,

In response to Scott Taylor’s letter to the editor, I would like to provide this information. My comments about Nellie’s Park have absolutely nothing to do with the sale or nonsale of Triangle Park. This is a concept that began during the Re-Imaging Rural Montana meetings that were recently hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. For those who are not familiar with those meetings, it provided attendees with ideas on how small rural communities in Montana have been able to “take back” their communities.

My idea was to see if we could create a volunteer project that would become a showcase for Wolf Point. Not only residents but also an attempt to get tourists to stop and view what Wolf Point has to offer. Nellie’s Park, to me, was the perfect place due to its location on Highway 2 and the unique landscaping available. I spoke of a walking trail around the exterior of the park that would include 4 to 5 historical signs of the type that one sees along Highway 2. Ideas include how Wolf Point was named, history of the Fort Peck Reservation, history of the homesteaders and additional markers that would represent this interesting and hard land that we are proud of. I would also like to have signage that directs travelers to our downtown area.

If successful, this renovation will not utilize any City of Wolf Point funds. I have already spoken to groups that have shown an interest in making donations to fund this project. Volunteer help would also be solicited to help with construction.

I believe that we can make this a green area/park that would showcase Wolf Point and an area that all who helped could be proud of.

I have publicly stated that I do favor selling Triangle Park and have voted as such during council meetings. Town Pump representatives have stated it’s their plan to remodel and enlarge their current location. That will result in an additional 6-10 jobs being created and will increase to some degree taxable valuation of the location. Both are important factors in Wolf Point. I have also stated publicly and at council meetings that I would not support this sale at the price Town Pump offered at their first contact with the city council.

City council debate of the Triangle Park sale has been ongoing for eight months or longer. It has been open to the public, on social media and information carried in the Northern Plains Independent.

More than one public meeting has been held. The council takes these types of decisions very seriously. We do not make them or vote on a whim. You have elected each of us to do what we see best for Wolf Point. Sometimes these decisions are not easy but are made with the best information available and what is deemed best for all of Wolf Point. Dean Mahlum