Food for thought

Food for thought

Very recently I decided to vet Jim Brown's candidacy for Montana Supreme Court. In doing my own due diligence before I "spend my vote", I wanted to learn more about him.

I did NOT know:

* Jim Brown is not a well-known attorney in good standing despite being an attorney for over 10 years. I could not find any information regarding his work in peer/client ratings of ethics and professionalism and legal ability for attorneys in the US.

* Jim Brown is the current Chairperson for Montana Public Service Commission. I did not do a deep dive into his role specifically, but I am concerned that under his “leadership”, we are going to have a rate hike in our utilities. Please read the article from The Independent Record, written by Tom Lutely, "Commissioners Approve Large Rate Hike,” dated Sept. 27, 2022.

* Most concerningis his affiliation with & as an attorney for Western Traditions Partnership, Inc.

This is an organization that solicits and anonymously spends funds of other corporations, individuals and entities to influence the outcome of Montana elections. Please watch a PBS Frontline Documentary called “Big Sky, Big Money” to learn more. WOW!

The combination of what looks like poor leadership in Public Service Commission and shady lobbyist engagement with Traditional Partnership all create a dissonance of confidence for me. I want confidence in my candidate, where I can rely on what they say demonstrated in what they have done. Most of what I have learned about Mr. Brown feels like something else, shady and “snakey.” I don’t want our elections messed with nor sold to the highest bidders.

I am NOT confident Mr. Brown has Montana’s interest at heart vs being a lobbyist for corporate interests. Montanans’ need to trust their Supreme Court Justice is unbiased, above reproach, and they are an ethical professional and a legal scholar. I question James Brown’s motivations for seeking this office.

Please be confident you know who you are voting for and not just voting downticket because it is easier. Voting is a privilege hard earned and not a spectator sport [my world view].

Respectfully,

Dawn Gandalf

Trout Creek