As an intrepid member of the Fourth Estate, I ventured out into the frigid night, determined to shine light on the Swan branch of the Deep State. Parenthetically, the Fourth Estate refers to the press. I’d never actually known what the first three are, so I looked it up (as older people say rather than Googling). The monarchy, barony (people with titles), and the Commons are the first three, with the fourth apparently keeping an eye on the first three. There is now a Fifth Estate, that being social media and other online sewage systems.
When attending the Swan Valley Community Council in January, proximity to the fireplace is critical. The meeting is conducted in a venerable log structure, which has an electric heater, but it is so loud that it is impractical for either this meeting or Tuesday yoga classes.
Ensconced near the stove, I waited for action. I was hoping for something along the lines of the Israeli Knesset, where they fight in the aisles, or a school board meeting about a banned book (Alan Has Five Chainsaws).
Alas, everyone was quite civil. Chairperson Grace Siloti reported that the POWDR Corporation seems to have scrapped their Holland Lake plans
but has not officially withdrawn the application. My scheme to buy a 300-foot yacht confiscated from a Russian oligarch and have a floating casino and bordello on Holland Lake now has a chance.
John Hallman gave a presentation on winter safety. He said to make sure your house numbers are visible so emergency personnel can find you. Flashlights, batteries, don’t get and backup heat sources are critical. Beware of portable heaters—3% of home fires are caused by portable heaters, but they account for 40% of fatalities.
Chris Vallerga related his experiences of a long career in fire fighting in California. He stressed the importance of keeping roads clear of brush and keep them accessible to emergency vehicles.
Mike Mayernik of Swan Valley Connections spoke of the Fire Prevention Council—a multiagency group whose purpose is to foster collaboration
in fire prevention and management. This group will meet again on Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. in the Condon Community Hall. Mayernik also encouraged landowners to contact Swan Valley Connections to arrange for home evaluations.
Brian Praschak presented ideas for assessing Missoula County responses to concerns from the Condon community. Law enforcement response times, building permit applications, and condition of roads and bridges were three areas where he would like specific metrics.
Marcia Tapp expressed her perception that the County was generally more responsive to communication from the Condon Council, and Siloti noted that she has seen law enforcement much more frequently in her role at Mission Mountain Mercantile. Cynically, I might speculate it has more to do with the awesome deli there.
Ronda Craig related the good news that a grant had been received to do some upgrades on the Community Hall, including an accessibility ramp and bathroom.
Ted Morgan mentioned that Zoom meetings may be in the future as a grant for that technology is in the works.
Finally, Siloti announced a contest for a Swan Valley Community logo, details of which will be on the Swan Valley Facebook page.
So no fireworks, fights, overturned tables, threats, or walkouts. No votes along party lines. No parties that I am aware of. Reasonable, civil discussions replete with compromise.
Sigh.
Our state and national governments are rife with division, pettiness and monocular rancor. Put the bunch of pampered poodles in a log cabin in the snow with a wood stove and don’t let them out until they learn how to get along. What an original idea. Not. It happened in 1787.
Swan Valley Community Council meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m.
Reader Comments(0)