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Typical Montana Political Problem

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Anonymous

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This is a neighboring county (across the lake)-- and points out a problem that often exists in these small counties/towns...Montana has a very tough nepotism law- and often commissioners, board members, councilmen have to excuse themselves from a vote because it involves relatives- or can't hire the best folks because they are some way related..

Whats funny about this one is that probably 10-20% of that county (population somewhere around 1000) is made up of Murnions (I know one family alone has like 12 kids) :wink: I don't know which family this Sheriff's candidate belongs to - but he would be related to 1986 Bareback Champion Colin Murnion (cousin I think)...

Rural county loses sheriff, only deputy
By LORNA THACKERAY
Of The Gazette Staff

Garfield County is without law enforcement temporarily following the resignation Tuesday of Sheriff John O'Connor and his deputy.


Neither O'Connor nor the deputy, Clay Lammer, could be reached for comment Wednesday.

County Attorney Nick Murnion said the resignations apparently stemmed from a budget cut in June that reduced the force from three officers to two. The county had been funding a third officer since a federal grant funding the position ran out 11 years ago, but decided it was no longer affordable, he said.

County commissioners were interviewing for the position of sheriff and hopefully will have made a decision by Friday, Murnion said. In the meantime, the McCone County sheriff's office will cover law enforcement emergencies through a mutual-aid agreement, the county attorney said.

"We have a lot of law-abiding folks, so it shouldn't be a problem," he said. "It's just an interesting situation to be in."

Pat Murnion, who is running for sheriff, said his wife received a call Tuesday night explaining that he could not be appointed to fill the post because he is related to the county attorney and to one of the commissioners. They are cousins.


Then Wednesday, he said he was offered a new reason - that he isn't qualified.

"What are they going to do if I'm elected?" he asked. "Are they not going to let me be sheriff because I'm not qualified? I just think the whole thing stinks to high heaven."

Pat Murnion was set to challenge O'Connor for the post of sheriff in the November election. It is not clear whether O'Connor will withdraw from the race. His name will still appear on the ballot because the deadline to remove it has passed.

Asked what was going on with the sheriff's office, County Commissioner Jerry Coldwell replied, "I wish I knew. We're trying to work it out."

He said the commissioners would have no further comment until the situation is resolved.

http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/09/04/news/state/24-ruralsheriff.txt
 
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