The individual can make a difference
Pub Date: 2/1/2006
By Cole Boehler
Editor and Publisher
From our vantage point sitting in the editor's chair at the Montana Tavern Times, we are called upon to up-close observe and report on the deliberations and actions of government as we cover the most highly regulated industry in the state.
What we see can be confounding and disconcerting. But we also occasionally witness the interaction between government and citizens at its best.
Let's take for instance, Sandy Jones, operator of the Best Bet Casino in Missoula.
Sandy started out at the bottom rungs of this business ladder, reportedly beginning as a waitress who then worked her way up to dealer, floor boss, manager and partner.
Operating a small business can leave your plate plenty full enough. But Sandy has recognized that she, while certainly owing her business her devotion, also has a responsibility to work for the betterment of her industry.
Sandy has earned a reputation as a mean poker player, but has also demonstrated her organizational skills when she has overseen the ever more popular Texas Hold 'em tournaments for the Montana Tavern Association and Gaming Industry Association conventions.
With a respect for her knowledge and expertise, and with her regular attendance at local and state business association meetings, it was natural--and an astute choice--for the MTA to name her, along with several others, to represent the interests of its 800-plus members in deliberations to modernize rules and statutes that govern live card games in Montana.
The Gambling Control Division, as well as business groups, had approached the Gaming Advisory Council to address mounting problems with existing live poker and dealer regulations--many formulated and implemented 20 or more years ago.
Wisely, Advisory Council Chairman Rep. John Witt created a subcommittee to study the myriad and complex issues involved in such an overhaul. He asked fellow councilman Sen. Joe Tropila to chair the subcommittee and invited representatives of the Gambling Control Division, the public and business groups to study the issues, then come forward with a complete, well thought out, consensual series of recommendations.
The subcommittee's work product has been substantial and it was said that 95 percent of what has been accomplished has met with acceptance by all parties involved.
But it is apparent the subcommittee has come to rely heavily on the knowledge and expertise that MTA' Sandy Jones has brought to the deliberations (she hasn't missed a meeting or conference). In fact, Chairman Witt singled her out at a recent council meeting for lavish praise.
What we find so remarkable about this scenario is that, in Montana, it is still possible for a lone citizen to have a significant impact--indeed, play a crucial role--in forming important state policy and law.
This demonstrates that Montana government--in this case the Department of Justice through the Gaming Advisory Council--can and does rely on citizens to play important roles in civic affairs.
That is just how it should be.
We would bet that 10 years ago Sandy had no idea she would some day be called upon to help shape public policy and law. She should be proud of her appointment by MTA and proud of the praise she earned from Chairman Witt. In her typically strait forward fashion, she admitted to us that she is.
In turn, when the recent council meeting concluded and remarks were sought from the public in attendance, Sandy told the council that she was genuinely gratified to have been called upon to participate and help create solutions to public policy problems.
It just goes to show you, the individual, by participating in a business association, can have a tangible effect on her own, an industry's and the state's future.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, February, 2006, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.