Brown, Schweitzer campaigned at convention
Pub Date: 10/1/2008
Every four years, the Montana Tavern Association membership turns its collective attention to the race for Montana Governor.
It so happens, 2008 is one of those years so nominees Republican State Sen. Roy Brown and Democrat Gov. Brian Schweitzer duly addressed licensees at their annual Montana Tavern Association Convention September 10 at the Best Western Heritage Inn in Great Falls.
Usually the contestants appear in the same forum. This year, due to scheduling conflicts, Brown spoke at the Wednesday afternoon general session and Schweitzer talked during the evening banquet.
Brown was introduced by MTA Government Affairs Counsel Mark Staples.
Sen. Brown mentioned he earned an engineering degree from Montana Tech in Butte and said back in those days he "tended bar at the Vu Villa. I learned sociology there...and learned why bartenders can be grouchy.
"It's difficult running a bar in Montana and I learned that first-hand. It must be a labor of love because It's hard work, long hours, then you keep your eye on the government to see what It's doing for or to you.
"You have unique challenges and don't need the stresses of government, too. Bars are easy to attack'; both politicians and social reformers do it. I know how you feel. I'm frequently attacked as 'an evil oil man,'" Brown said.
"In business It's easy to believe that 50 percent of management's time is spent on dealing with government regulations. For succeeding despite the difficulties, I congratulate you. I know how often you are asked for help. Thanks for bettering the lives of your friends and neighbors.
"I made the commitment to run for governor because there is too much at stake to sit on the sidelines. Let me ask, are you better off than four years ago?
"Our small communities are struggling to survive'; even some of our bigger ones. Montana ranks last for average income. Parents are working two or more jobs to put food on the table. Our seniors are hit hardest: taxes are too high, especially property taxes. Some are forced to sell their homes because they can't pay their property taxes.
"Our schools are suing the state again because for the last four years there has been no real solution to funding problems. The resources need to be put in the classroom. Student loan debt is driving kids out of state to make better pay.
"All this is unacceptable and has to change," Sen. Brown said.
"I'm traveling the state and meeting Montanans. They say they want smarter, more accountable government'; they want solutions, not rhetoric.
"We need to create good, high paying jobs and expand the economy. My running mate, (Bozeman businessman) Steve Daines, and I know how to do this.
"We must reduce property taxes permanently'; eliminate the business equipment tax'; develop our resources in a sound and responsible way we could do that the way Wyoming does and I will promote Montana, not myself.
"My opponent says 'Montana is on the move' and it is: the economy is moving slower and unemployment is moving higher'; resource development is moving to Wyoming and drilling rigs are moving to North Dakota'; kids are moving out of state'; taxes and fees are moving up'; the amount of money we have left is going down'; bankruptcies are moving up, foreclosures are up and the size of government is up.
"we've got to turn this around.
"We can do better. we've got to get government out of the way.
"But no matter what challenges we face, Montanans are resourceful. Our greatest resource is our people. Together, we can build a brighter future."
Staples then asked the Senator, " The 15 percent tax on gaming is an attractive source for those who want more for government. How do you view it?"
Brown said, "My answer is the same as the way I vote: I have no intention to increase the tax."
"Would you veto a tax increase?" Staples asked.
Yes, I would," Brown stated.
"What about the liquor license quota system?" Staples asked. "we've played by the rules and have given ground when necessary. I don't think we can impoverish these business owners. Can you give us assurances?"
Brown said, "Just look at the banking community. we'd really have some trouble. (The quota system) has worked well. you've made accommodations. I'm not in favor of changing it."
Later that evening, Gov. Brian Schweitzer addressed the membership at the banquet. Again, Staples was in charge on introductions.
Schweitzer started out with a little light humor, poling fun at the folks in the crowd.
"I stopped in Havre at the Palace Bar. Jupe (Compton, past MTA President) wasn't there. I bet I've stopped there 20 times in the last 10 years, and he's never bought me a drink. Today, he bought me two, you cheap son of a gun!
"Hey, Ralph (Ferraro). Did you bring Mike Hope with you today? He ran my dog out of your joint in Bozeman."
"You know," Schweitzer continued, "Politicians always need something, always want something. That's what I like about you guys'; you never ask for anything. MTA always says, 'Don't change the law'; leave the gaming tax where it is'; leave the liquor licensing laws alone."
"I see Jack Snyder is here," said Gov. Schweitzer, shifting gears. "we've had a long relationship. He owns a great bar in Forsyth. Yup, 'get a beer and a burger at Buff's.' Jack was like a second wife'; he's really taken good care of me over the years.
"A TV reporter asked me a little while ago, 'Why are you going to the MTA convention?' Folks, here's why: You represent 2,000 businesses on Main Street in every town big or little in Montana. You're the heart and soul of Montana small business.
"In the rest of the country the economy is pretty tough. Look at the stock market. But Montana has the third fastest growing economy, oil production is up 40 percent, coal is up 30 percent, jobs are up 1,340 per month that's 50,000 new jobs in three years. Business leaders make this happen.
"If re-elected," Schweitzer said, "I'll keep the gaming tax the same. I know you have been willing to look at new ideas on how to change the liquor license system, but I'm rock solid on the status quo.
"We have a partnership'; small business is the engine of Montana's economy. I'll be in your corner the next four years."
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, October, 2008, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.