Two days after election Bullock addresses GIA
Pub Date: 12/1/2008
Atty. Gen.-elect Steve Bullock, less than 48 hours after being elected, dropped by the quarterly board of directors meeting of the Gaming Industry Association of Montana at the Best Bet in Helena Nov. 6.
Bullock broke the ice by relating a humorous incident where he and his family were recently out for dinner. A stranger approached and, evidently having seen Bullock's face on television campaign commercials, said, "I know you from somewhere. Are you on a soap opera?"
Bullock said he responded, "No, I'm the one who is said to be soft on sexual predators."
After the laughter quieted, Bullock said, "And for those who are wondering about my position on guns, I'm going hunting this weekend."
He told the board he is currently engaged in building a staff "in order to hit the ground running. I don't anticipate any major changes in your world, but that doesn't mean there won't be any bumps along the way.
"Hopefully, by the Dec. 17 Gaming Advisory Council meeting we'll have our feet under us. I haven't talked yet to Gene (Huntington, Gambling Control Division administrator) about staying, but I will be."
Acting GIA President John Tooke told Bullock, "I hope you do as well with your selection as (current Atty. Gen.) MIke McGrath did with Gene. There has been so much accomplished in the last eight years'; good public policy goals have been reached. We hope we can continue the constructive relationship. We need an environment where we can all work together."
Bullock said he intended to keep communication channels open. "I appreciate the help I've gotten and will need more help in getting off on the right foot.
"I'm very excited about this job and everything to do with it. But I'm a realist. I'm coming into office the first week the Legislature goes into session. It will be pretty crazy."
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, December, 2008, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.