The Billings Free Press

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.

Depending on your feelings about clowns this may be the happiest or creepiest weekend of the year in Billings.

There is a clown convention at The Crowne Plaza hotel.

Now, if Krusty were to make an appearance I would be down there in a heartbeat!

Carlos Mencia, the comic who people either love or hate, will be performing in Billings this coming Tuesday in the Shrine Auditorium .

Tickets are $39 cash and are available at the Shrine box office during business hours.

Mencia is a comic who can make you laugh or have you squirming in your seat when he bares the prejudices you didn’t think you have. I am one of his fans and I wish I could see him but I have a commitment to be in Nashville, TN next week so i will be forced to miss his show. If anyone can make it to the show I would like to hear about it.

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 2008 Tuney Award winners have been announced and you will see some familiar names and a few new ones.

Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks for making Billings a better place to live by sharing your gifts.

From the desk of Mayor Ron Tussing:

My office is accepting letters of interest to fill the Billings City Council vacancy in Ward II.

This vacancy was created by the recent resignation of Councilmember Joy Stevens and will be filled by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The successful candidate must be a resident of Ward II (Heights) and a qualified voter of the City of Billings.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please enclose a resumé with your letter and any documentation that will show your qualifications for the council position. Send to the Administration Office, Attn: wynnette Maddox, City Hall, PO Box 1178, Billings MT 59103-1178. Deadline for letters of interest is September 29, 2008.

Sincerely,
Ron Tussing
Mayor

You have until Monday to get your application in so don’t delay.

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.

The good folks at the 501blog have decided to compile a list of ten things to do in Billings when payday is next week. In other words, free!

I’ll keep updating as they’re posted.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10