If you hadn't heard, Butte-Silver Bow commissioners held an unusual Friday night meeting in response to the clerk and recorder taking it upon herself to forego local primaries. According to Chief Exec, JP, she consulted with others in her role around the state and made the decision. 

Who needs a county attorney anyway? /s

Well, they pulled the agenda items at the last minute—explaining it wasn't necessary because the C&C _rescinded_ this absurd decision.

I assumed this was a litmus test of sorts—until about 10:13 into the the meeting. A well-spoken, brave Butte gal's comment [not pictured in thumbnail] gave all the explanation for the lack of response, stonewalling, and general antics one can come to expect dealing with B-SB—bestie to corporate interests. ***She had been trying to get the opposition to data centers on the ballot. And suddenly, everything makes sense.*** The clerk & recorder told her it was not possible; she needed 3,500 signatures. Something tells me a highly successful real estate broker would have no issue achieving this in short order. A person standing outside _Safeway_ could probably achieve it. ***WE DON'T WANT DATA CENTERS. WE DON'T WANT DIRTY DIRT. WE DON'T WANT THE STATE'S WORST STREETS*** _We ask for so little_ And it shouldn't matter if the person calling is a professional or just a regular person.

This stunt had absolutely NOTHING to do with efficiency, or misinterpreting the rules, or "being new to the position." To me, it seems pretty clear it was an effort to yet again, ignore the will of the public and leave constituents screaming into the void. 

I'm glad they allowed public comment despite the fact this never should have been a thing to begin with. And other Montana counties, I would pay attention. The clerk and recorder made this decision based on conversations with other offices around the state. 

Perhaps a FOIA is worth requesting? I don't think this was an accident or coincidence. I am really fed up with the clown show tops to bots. I would like to believe this was sprung on the council along with the rest of us. I kinda doubt it—just given their century+ track record. Do with that what what you will. 

Why was Butte-Silver Bow's clerk & recorder trying to forego local primaries? Oh, probably because someone was trying to get opposition to the data center on the ballot