MTA to hear top officials, elect officers
For many, the Montana Tavern Association's convention "general session" on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 23, is the four-day convention's highlight. That meeting commences promptly at 2 p.m.
MTA President White will rap his gavel to call the meeting to order, then the assembled will hear a brief welcoming address from Missoula Mayor John Engen, followed by MTA Government Affairs Council Mark Staples' introductions of other dignitaries in attendance.
At 2:15 the gathering will hear from the state's highest law enforcement officer, Atty. Gen. Steve Bullock, who is about half way through the first year of a four-year term. We are told he will cover a broad range of subjects.
The MTA members were fortunate to have Mr. Bullock address them last year when he was campaigning for the job. His impressions of the first eight months in office, and what he sees coming down the pike in the next year or years, ought to make fascinating fare.
He is responsible for the Gambling Control Division, making six of eight appointments to the Gaming Advisory Committee, and leading some policy initiatives when it comes to law and order, including drunk driving crimes and penalties. Hearing his views, and asking him questions, ought to be a high priority for conventioneers.
Bullock will speak before a 2:30 p.m. discussion panel featuring other top state regulators of the liquor and gaming business.
With Bullock will be the Gambling Control Division Administrator Rick Ask, whose long tenure makes him a leading expert on gambling law, rules and enforcement. Ask usually brings several of his bureau chiefs along to pitch in on the answers to licensees' question.
Also on the panel will be the Director of the Department of Revenue, Dan Bucks, who oversees the agencies that administer the liquor licensing process, collection of liquor taxes and liquor distribution.
With him will be Shauna Helfert who directly administers the Liquor Division and who has been instrumental in shaping legislation that affects Montana's nearly 2,500 small licensed businesses.
MTA's Staples will make the panel introductions and moderate the panel. It promises to be a very enlightening 45 minutes.
From 3:15 to 3:30, Gale Gustafson will tell the members about an initiative a group he heads is pursuing. He is the director of Grateful Nation Montana, a campaign that was formed for the specific purpose of facilitating college educations for the children of Montana soldiers killed while on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"Working with a combination of public and private resources, Grateful Nation links eligible students with the financial resources and non-monetary support they will need to have a successful college experience," their web site states. "To date, 29 soldiers from Montana have been killed in these conflicts, leaving a total of 23 children behind, ranging in age from three months to 22 years old."
At 3:30, President White will make any further announcements required, then adjourn the session.