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Repub sues because of Lack of Government Services

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Anonymous

Guest
Another one that makes me laugh--Our MT Congressman, who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and is the 14th richest in Congress- now is suing because there were not enough government services to protect his investment property- and he can't sell his ranchettes...

Rehberg Ranch Estates sues city of Billings
Posted: Sunday, July 4, 2010 9:00 pm


LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff
Danielle Maciel and her daughter McKayla watch as flames approach Rehberg Ranch subdivision on July 22, 2008. Billings, Lockwood and Billing airport Crash Fire and Rescue firefighters battle the fire. .


..A Billings subdivision developed by Montana Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg and managed by his wife, Jan, has filed a lawsuit against the city of Billings and the Billings Fire Department.

Rehberg Ranch LLC contends property and equipment was damaged at Rehberg Ranch Estates because the fire department breached its duty during a wildfire that burned more than 1,100 acres in the subdivision west of Billings Logan International Airport in July of 2008.

The company in court documents filed Friday in Yellowstone County District Court says the fire scorched trees and ground cover causing irreparable damage on a large section of land intended for development.

The company is asking for a monetary award to be established at trial.

City officials in Billings did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press on Sunday.

http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_e10d846e-87e2-11df-8042-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=story

I love the comments from some of the firefighters (paid and volunteer) that fought the fire...Maybe old Denny should have used some of his $57+ million dollars worth of wealth to contract with a private wildlands service, instead of expecting everything from government- and now wanting the taxpayers to pick up the bill for the property he can't sell (which is more than likely just because of the economy and the continued effects of the Bush Bust)...

This is another Fatcat hypocrit that needs to take a hike in Nov...
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
That is ridiculous OT. That just goes to prove that there are jackasses on both sides. I hope that the people of Montana vote that self-serving sonofgun out. People like that are what is wrong with this country today. Expecting everyone else to bail you out because of an act of God is selfish to say the least, and shows a great lack of character.
 

MsSage

Well-known member
hmmm being a law officer I am SURE you know that most Insurance company's REQUIRE a person to sue if they find anyone could be culpable.
But then I keep forgetting you have forgotten more about the law than you remember ;)
 

hopalong

Well-known member
MsSage said:
hmmm being a law officer I am SURE you know that most Insurance company's REQUIRE a person to sue if they find anyone could be culpable.
But then I keep forgetting you have forgotten more about the law than you remember ;)

Not to forget that EVERYTHING makes oldtimer laugh, giggle, smile etc,etc.
Go back and look, a good portion of ihis posts start out "it makes
me laugh,giggle, smile, etc,". Either that or I BLAME BUSH.

As far as him being in LE makes me wonder how many times he turned his head in order to give him a helping hand :wink: :wink:

EH?
 

Steve

Well-known member
says the fire scorched trees and ground cover causing irreparable damage on a large section of land intended for development.

not sure how a fire can damage land so as it can't be developed..

but another good reason for term limits.. throw them out!
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Old Denny is really taking the heat over this one-- and really being revealed for the lying politician he is-- with his humming and hawwing over not really suing- then saying he isn't suing the city, just their insurance (most Montana cities are mostly self insured- so it ends up being the taxpayer that pays).....

But the most comical is his wanting to be a lead ********* and tax cutter- but now suing because the city didn't provide enough services to protect his wealth and estate.... :p :lol: :lol: :( :(



Incident report on 2008 blaze available to public

Fire chief disputes Rehberg suit, says meetings took place
MATT HAGENGRUBER Of The Gazette Staff | Posted: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 11:04 pm


After suing the city of Billings and alleging that it failed to control a 2008 wildfire at Rehberg Ranch Estates subdivision, U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg and his lawyer said the city never responded to repeated requests for information, including a request for copies of incident reports.

The city also ignored a February 2009 letter from Rehberg’s wife, Jan, who requested a meeting with city officials to discuss the fire, Rehberg’s attorney said Tuesday.

Fire Chief Paul Dextras, however, said Wednesday that city officials met at least twice with the Rehbergs and homeowners in the aftermath of the fire. The Fire Department released incident reports to The Billings Gazette in just a few hours Wednesday.


Dextras said that he and other top fire officials met with Jan Rehberg in February 2009 in City Administrator Tina Volek’s office, and firefighters made a presentation to subdivision homeowners a few months later on how to protect their homes from another wildfire.

“We provided them information on open space, landscaping and department priorities,” Dextras said. “It was in their clubhouse. It’s a very different perspective from what they’re saying happened.”

The Rehbergs’ attorney, Cliff Edwards, clarified Wednesday that both meetings did take place but that city officials still haven’t answered the Rehbergs’ questions about who made the decision to pull firefighters away from the subdivision, which was threatened by a wildfire around the Fourth of July 2008.

A one-acre fire that started on July 1 was suppressed, but then rekindled and combined with another small fire and jumped to nearly 1,200 acres. It burned some of the land that the Rehbergs plan to develop. Their lawsuit claims that the Fire Department breached its duty to protect the property by leaving while conditions were ripe for a flare-up. Firefighters told a property manager that they would stay on the scene but then left without telling the property manager, the lawsuit claims.

The Rehbergs’ lawsuit asks for damages for the undeveloped land that was burned.

“Never did anyone give (Jan Rehberg) any type of report as to why this fire restarted or why they left it unattended,” Edwards said. “She’s adamant that they’ve never given the Rehbergs a response. There was a meeting in Volek’s office and there was a representative of the homeowners association and the subject was very general about fire protection.”

Edwards also said that the city has never released the incident reports on the fire. Edwards said City Attorney Brent Brooks never responded to Edwards’ letter asking for the reports.

“We don’t know the details of who made the calls on mop-up and leaving on the Fourth of July when it blew back up,” Edwards said. “She (Jan Rehberg) asked for it in February 2009 and never got a response. I’ve asked for it and haven’t got a response. I can get it through formal discovery, through the lawsuit. We’re going to be entitled to it.”

The reports by state law are public documents, and The Gazette was able to get copies of them on Wednesday by filling out a one-page form and paying 25 cents per page for copying. The reports include narratives, summaries of 911 calls and the names of firefighters and commanders on the scene.
 

hopalong

Well-known member
Oldtimer said:
Old Denny is really taking the heat over this one-- and really being revealed for the lying politician he is-- with his humming and hawwing over not really suing- then saying he isn't suing the city, just their insurance (most Montana cities are mostly self insured- so it ends up being the taxpayer that pays).....

But the most comical is his wanting to be a lead ********* and tax cutter- but now suing because the city didn't provide enough services to protect his wealth and estate.... :p :lol: :lol: :( :(



Incident report on 2008 blaze available to public

Fire chief disputes Rehberg suit, says meetings took place
MATT HAGENGRUBER Of The Gazette Staff | Posted: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 11:04 pm


After suing the city of Billings and alleging that it failed to control a 2008 wildfire at Rehberg Ranch Estates subdivision, U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg and his lawyer said the city never responded to repeated requests for information, including a request for copies of incident reports.

The city also ignored a February 2009 letter ]from Rehberg’s wife, Jan, who requested a meeting with city officials to discuss the fire, Rehberg’s attorney said Tuesday.

Fire Chief Paul Dextras, however, said Wednesday that city officials met at least twice with the Rehbergs and homeowners in the aftermath of the fire. The Fire Department released incident reports to The Billings Gazette in just a few hours Wednesday.


Dextras said that he and other top fire officials met with Jan Rehberg in February 2009 in City Administrator Tina Volek’s office, and firefighters made a presentation to subdivision homeowners a few months later on how to protect their homes from another wildfire.
“We provided them information on open space, landscaping and department priorities,” Dextras said. “It was in their clubhouse. It’s a very different perspective from what they’re saying happened.”

The Rehbergs’ attorney, Cliff Edwards, clarified Wednesday that both meetings did take place but that city officials still haven’t answered the Rehbergs’ questions about who made the decision to pull firefighters away from the subdivision, which was threatened by a wildfire around the Fourth of July 2008.

A one-acre fire that started on July 1 was suppressed, but then rekindled and combined with another small fire and jumped to nearly 1,200 acres. It burned some of the land that the Rehbergs plan to develop. Their lawsuit claims that the Fire Department breached its duty to protect the property by leaving while conditions were ripe for a flare-up. Firefighters told a property manager that they would stay on the scene but then left without telling the property manager, the lawsuit claims.

The Rehbergs’ lawsuit asks for damages for the undeveloped land that was burned.

“Never did anyone give (Jan Rehberg) any type of report as to why this fire restarted or why they left it unattended,” Edwards said. “She’s adamant that they’ve never given the Rehbergs a response. There was a meeting in Volek’s office and there was a representative of the homeowners association and the subject was very general about fire protection.”

Edwards also said that the city has never released the incident reports on the fire. Edwards said City Attorney Brent Brooks never responded to Edwards’ letter asking for the reports.

“We don’t know the details of who made the calls on mop-up and leaving on the Fourth of July when it blew back up,” Edwards said. “She (Jan Rehberg) asked for it in February 2009 and never got a response. I’ve asked for it and haven’t got a response. I can get it through formal discovery, through the lawsuit. We’re going to be entitled to it.”

The reports by state law are public documents, and The Gazette was able to get copies of them on Wednesday by filling out a one-page form and paying 25 cents per page for copying. The reports include narratives, summaries of 911 calls and the names of firefighters and commanders on the scene.


So now what oldtimer? Granted He is filing a lawsuit, which by law is required for insurance puposes but it does look like some neglence by the fire department, You are a judge OPPPS J.P. and could never hear a case like this what would your ruling be??????

EH?
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Looks to me like Old Denny expects an awful lot from Government services-- the fire was extinquished on July 1st-- the rekindle took place on July 4th....I don't know how long he expects Government services to babysit his private land....Around here- on private land- most babysitting is the responsibility of the landowner- as the Fire Departments (mostly volunteer) don't have the resources and are too busy with suppression calls (especially during the 4th of July weekend)...

Like many are saying- maybe if that land was so precious and dear to him--Denny should have dipped into his $57 Million dollar assets (14th richest Congressman) and hired a private fire service to babysit instead of expecting government to do everything for him ... :???:
 

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
A one acre fire rekindled 3 days later and burnt 1200. Looks like the firefighters didn't do a real great job of putting it out the first time. It's not that hard to make sure there aren't any hot spots within an acre.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Many of the news articles- and commentors are wondering if after he gets thru suing Billings for all they have- if he will try and sue all the other small town fire departments/volunteer firemen that were called in for mutual aid to assist with all the fires they had that weekend...
Is that the reason he needs the names of those Firefighters on scene :???:

Because of the heat (100 degrees with wind) and the fireworks fires, including structure fires that weekend- Billings not only had to call in off duty firefighters-but requested and received mutual aid from Absarokee, Columbus, Red Lodge, and Reed Point to help put out Denny's fire...
Will they be considered liable next :???:
 

hopalong

Well-known member
You tell us!!!
Seems to me that if a fire flairs back up 2-3 days later there is a serious issue with the way the fire department handled it tn the first place, could this be the reason for the law suit?
or was the fire department in such a hurry top get back to the water hole and discuss the fireworks display?

EH?
Be interesting to see how the REAL courts handle the law suit
EH?
Is he reqqired by law to file suit in order to collect insurance oldtimer???
why wont you adress that issiue?
EH

Any loss claimed needs to be forwarded to the IRS in order to use as a deduction, any insurance payments needs to be reported to the IRS.
Looks like they are merely following the guidelines needed to try and recoup some loss

EH????
 

Faster horses

Well-known member
Just so the guy isn't painted all black here, here's a link to
some of the good he's been doing:

http://rehberg.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=26&sectiontree=5,26
 

hopalong

Well-known member
its lawsuit, Rehberg Ranch LLC said its property and equipment were damaged because the fire department breached its duty during the fire, the Associated Press reported Sunday. More than 1,200 acres burned in the subdivision, including 600 acres of Rehberg Ranch property, which is west of Billings Logan International Airport.

Cliff Edwards, a Billings attorney representing Rehberg Ranch, said Tuesday the ranch sued after the city refused its request to provide a report on the fire.

Edwards said his law firm last week tried but failed to get the city to enter settlement negotiations to postpone a lawsuit. After the Billings city administrator declined the offer, Edwards said the ranch was forced to sue to preserve Montana's two-year statute of limitations for property damage."This was not Rehberg Ranch's desired course of action, but the city's actions left us no choice," Edwards said. The ranch and Edwards "will continue to make every effort with the city to resolve the claim," he said.

Edwards said the lawsuit "focuses on the administrative and management decisions and actions which led to the withdrawal of firefighters from an existing fire scene during high temperature and high wind conditions." Had the firefighters been allowed to remain on the scene, "the devastating events" of July 4, 2008, wouldn't have occurred, he said.

The lawsuit "in no way undermines the excellent work of the first responders who so diligently worked to contain two earlier fires and subsequently contained and extinguished the reignited fire over the course of the next week," Edwards said.

EH ? EH?
Once again oldtimer does not present all the facts, only those that he wants to be presented
EH???
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
It wouldn't even be an issue if it wasn't so ironic and HYPOCRITICAL that the multimillionaire wanting to lead the ********* movement- cut taxes- and cut services--- is the one now complaining/suing to get taxpayer funds (Billings like most Montana cities are self insured thru a statewide taxpayer funded Trust) because he doesn't think he received enough government services to protect his personal wealth .... :roll:

If you don't see the Hypocrisy of it- you're one of the only ones....
 

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
Oldtimer said:
It wouldn't even be an issue if it wasn't so ironic and HYPOCRITICAL that the multimillionaire wanting to lead the ********* movement- cut taxes- and cut services--- is the one now complaining/suing because he doesn't think he received enough government services to protect his personal wealth .... :roll:

If you don't see the Hypocrisy of it- you're one of the only ones....

Which taxes and services is he advocating cutting?
 

Larrry

Well-known member
Partialy, but was he not paying taxes at the time of the fire.

If you hire a deputy and plan on getting rid of him, don't you expect him to peform for you until you get rid of him
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
hypocritexposer said:
Oldtimer said:
It wouldn't even be an issue if it wasn't so ironic and HYPOCRITICAL that the multimillionaire wanting to lead the ********* movement- cut taxes- and cut services--- is the one now complaining/suing to get taxpayer funds (Billings like most Montana cities are self insured thru a statewide taxpayer funded Trust) because he doesn't think he received enough government services to protect his personal wealth .... :roll:

If you don't see the Hypocrisy of it- you're one of the only ones....

Which taxes and services is he advocating cutting?

I thought Teabaggers wanted to cut ALL government- and especially Federal- which is where much of the States rural wildland firefighting funds/equipment come from ....
 

Larrry

Well-known member
I thought Teabaggers wanted to cut ALL government- and especially Federal- which is where much of the States rural wildland firefighting funds/equipment come from ....

And what do PIGS want?
 
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