This past Sunday evening I watched, on Zoom, a Legislative Forum sponsored by the Boulder Monitor and the Boulder Transition Advisory Committee. The forum was facilitated by Keith Hammonds of the Monitor. His guests were Senator Edie McClafferty and Representative Marta Bertoglio whose districts include Jefferson County. It was an enlightening hour of discussion touching on topics important to the county while avoiding the partisanship that is so often a part of public policy discussions these days. Mr. Hammonds was balanced on the issues and impartial with the elected officials. Senator McClafferty and Representative Bertoglio provided insights into how the legislative session is being conducted and provided details on bills they are sponsoring. They agreed on many points and when not in agreement found ways to explain their positions with respect for opposing views while being courteous toward each other. Both did their best to answer constituents’ questions and invited citizens to contact them with their concerns. This was an example of public service at its best, and my thanks go out to Senator McClafferty, Representative Bertoglio, Mr. Hammonds, the Boulder Monitor and BTAC for being able to watch this legislative forum. I look forward to the next one at the end of the month.
— Dan Ellison, Montana City
