Tyranny Comes From The Hearts Of Men
We've all heard the old saying, 'Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting.' This old tried and true saying is no more true than in Montana. A local example is the controversy within and now outside the Roundup Mesa Landowners Association (RMLA); as a landowner within the RMLA, I'd hoped that the 'fighting' would stay within this troubled association. But, the conflict has spilled over into this newspaper by a couple of recent letters to the editor. Accusations have been poured on the county commissioners, state government, private contractors, suppliers, etc., that the hoped-for water coming from the Central Montana Regional Water Authority (CMRWA) is a corrupted process and no one should sign up for this valuable resource. Utica, Hobson, Judith Gap, Harlowton, Ryegate, Lavina, Broadview, Roundup, and Melstone communities have already signed on to this historic project over 20 years in the making. The users already stated do not include all the ranches and homes along the route that are not a part of any municipal water district that will be receiving this quality resource.
The CMRWA proposed to the RMLA members over a year ago that if the landowners were interested, a separate trunk line would provide this plentiful resource to the RMLA. The proposal was pretty simple if you wanted the water good, if you did not, you need not sign up, and you would not be charged a single penny for any of the infrastructure! Now, I realize that some lot owners already have wells or haul water. That's fine; there is no obligation to accept this resource that is in some ways more valuable than gold. But, the bickering began at the onset of the discussion; the county commissioners have tried to answer some of the questions and concerns, but those opposed seem against the proposed water system for themselves and their neighbors who may want the water!
The vindictiveness and accusations of bribery by some have tarnished a potential blessing into a crime of the highest order.
Tyranny comes in many forms from many sources, but ultimately it comes from the hearts of men.
Dave Ponte
Landowner in RMLA
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