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Date: 11/22/99 9.40 pm RE: Here is feedback! Dear Don and others, Linda Ellison and I drove to Missoula for our first roadless meeting last Wednesday. We signed in and filled out speaking cards that were placed in a cardboard box. Then they pulled names from the box for speakers, allowing 2 minutes for each. The meeting was on the University campus and there were three pro-business/motorized recreation people chosen. I was not in that group. Linda spoke first. Then there were about twenty pro closure, and obliteration people, Then another pro- recreation, Alan Brown, the state snow mobile association exec director/president. He did a fine job, that not one of the greenies even heard! Then about 20 non- motorized people spoke again. After they spoke, we had Greg Salwasser,? A spokesman for timber, and a fellow member the Western Montana BLM RAC committee. He gave a good accounting for us, but was again not heard! Then there seemed to be 20 more greeny speakers, all pro closure. It was not a pretty thing to see or hear. I had decided to ask, who would be staying in Montana, if there are not any jobs available as there will be no industry left. But did not get the opportunity as they never chose my name. This was the most loaded process I have ever seen for a public meeting since a Grizzly Bear meeting also held at the Campus, 20 some years ago. I feel we should be able to holler foul: as it was a sure thing that we would be out numbered by fifty to one by just having the meeting there. We have been working on getting this meeting removed from the records, and demanding that all other meetings be held on nautral locations. We will be having one here in Helena, and I have asked what format they are going to use. It seems they want it to be an open house. I think the 2 minute format as in Missoula is best, as we can all speak our points, but that it must be done someplace other than the campus. And it should be done so must all people can talk. But we must show up at all of these meetings in number like the opposition or we are going to lose.!!! Doug Abelin |