The Billings Free Press

By a five to four vote the city council vetoes Mayor Tussing’s pick to replace Joy Stevens and the mayor refused to consider the other candidate in the running thus forcing a special election in January.

Just when we thought the election season was going to end November 4th, it starts anew.

Yeah…

The Billings Gazette is reporting that Mayor Tussing will select Angela Cimmino to replace outgoing Joy Stevens on the council.

There is already grumbling from at least one sitting councilperson about the mayor’s selection. The concerns of Mr. Astle about Mrs. Cimmino are similar to what I have heard other people express. If the council decides to reject the mayor’s selection I am curious to see how they plan to resolve the impass.

Folks who want to replace Joy Stevens on the city council have submitted their letters of interest and there are a few familiar names and some who are new to me.

Larry Brewster is looking to be reappointed to the council after being defeated by Denis Pitman. Angela Cimmino is looking to become the Bob Kelleher of city council elections. I don’t have the exact number but I think this may be her third or fourth try to get on the council. I have met Ray Tracy once and he seemed to be a reasonable man and even though he is in charge of the Yellowstone County Democratic Party he didn’t strike me as stridently partisan. Mr. Tracy may turn out to be a good councilman if selected. I don’t know anything about Todd Morgan or Ann M. Salisbury so I can’t offer an opinion about them.

The next step is:

Outgoing Ward 2 Councilwoman Joy Stevens’ last meeting will be Oct. 14, and a council subcommittee plans to interview the five candidates before that meeting. The subcommittee will then send a recommendation to Mayor Ron Tussing. The council is likely to confirm the new member by Oct. 27.

I want to thank all of the applicants for stepping forward to serve their city and hope whomever is selected receives the support of their new constituents. Good luck to everyone involved.

The Yellowstone County Republicans have set up a new website and, no surprise, are looking for donations of money and time for the upcoming election.

If the GOP is to your liking then this is a great outlet for your energies.

The 5:01 Blog has the particulars.

This is a great way to meet folks who are interested in the political process and enjoy a few beverages in the process.

The candidates for the Public Service Commission (PSC) District 2 will debate Wednesday afternoon at the Billings Community Center at 360 N 23rd St. at 3:00 p.m.. The Billings Community Center is located in North Park.

If you are unsure as to whether Democrat Ron Tussing or Republican Brad Molnar is the correct candidate for you make sure to attend to listen and learn.

There have been some sparks and accusations thrown from both sides of this campaign so I would be surprised if the debate turns out to be boring.

The issues these men decide as commissioners effect you on an everyday basis. (Remember the dissolution of Montana Power and electricity deregulation?) PSC issues are some of the most important issues you have a chance to have a direct say on. Get to know your future commissioner and make an informed decision.

David of Big Sky Blog fame takes note of Sen. Obama
returning to Montana before the Democratic convention in Denver.

He’ll be in Billings August 27th. More details will announced later.

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain is opening a Billings office at 1211 Grand Ave.

If that address sounds vaguely familiar it’s because it’s right next door to Rep. Denny Rehberg’s Billings office.

I wonder if Sen. McCain will be stopping by to check out his new digs?

KULR-8 is reporting that Vice President Dick Cheney was in Billings today on his way to the Big Horn River to fish for trout.

Wyoming native Cheney knows where the best fishing is, Montana!

Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama has opened six campaign offices in Montana with the one in Billings located at 906 Broadwater Ave.

I searched John McCain’s website and couldn’t anything about a McCain presence in Montana, let alone Billings. If I am missing it please send me some links and I’ll get his info posted also.