Frequently Asked Questions

This is an evolving page.  As new information and issues emerge I will add new questions, and reserve the right to revise my answers.  My answers are going to be in a narrative form  (like I'm speaking to you) and not as if I were reading a speech.

(1) Why are you running for office?

Answer: Do you remember the movie 'Network"?  The news anchorman (Peter Finch) has a breakdown and shouts out "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it any more."  Well I'm tired of feeling that my elected county officials don't represent me (the middle class) and my county government wastes my tax dollars.  Special interest groups have too much influence with my lawmakers.  Ravalli County Citizens are being asked for more-more-more without accountability, and are given double talk to straight forward questions.  Did you ever feel this way after reading the newspaper or hearing some story on radio or TV, concerning Ravalli County?  Well I have.
I have decided to do something about it! Run for office in my community as a County Commissioner.  It is my opinion the working middle class pays the most in taxes, but has the smallest voice in government.  Our current commissioners have not successfully led our county government concerning issues like Zoning, Growth and Taxes.  They have just not been effective leaders.  I'm a good listener, communicator, and problem solver. If elected, one of my goals would be to delegate authority and re-organize our county government. Such as: Department heads need to be held accountable. A rational growth and development plan need to be adopted and enforced.

(2) Are you really a Democrat?

Yes,  I'm really a Democrat.  Just because someone owns a business, is fiscally responsibility and expects employee accountability, doesn't make then a Republican!  I have earned the respect of friends and business associates who consider themselves Republicans.  While we can exchange  philosophical  points of view, live and work together in the same community, share meals, and socialize, it doesn't mean anyone controls my vote.
I consider my self a conservative.  That means I tend to preserve traditions and institutions, and resist change.  It doesn't mean that I won't or can't change, and I am generally slow to over react. 
What definitely makes me a Democrat is my life long commitment to social issues, charity, and a desire to serve my community. 

(3)  What are your Qualifications?

Answer: 

• Over 35 years as a successful self-employed businessman has given me the experience to deal with labor and management, purchasing, contracts, fiscal responsibility, decision making, and customer service (the 'customers' in this case are the citizens of Ravalli County).
   

• My own land development experience coupled with my respect for the outdoors give me the proper perspective to balance the preservation of our open spaces with necessary development to stimulate and sustain our local economy.
   

• I have tried to understand local water issues.  Availability and quality of Water more than land is the real determining factor where we can build and how much population expansion the valley can sustain.
   

• My involvement in local civic organization such as: Stevensville Main Street Association, Stevensville Community Foundation, our local Democratic organization and several charities have given me good experience with managing and directing volunteers and committees.
   

• I have the desire, passion, work ethic, and intelligence to successfully be a commissioner for Ravalli County and the Bitterroot valley.

(4)  How would you stabilize our Property Taxes?

Answer:  Let me make it perfectly clear, I will recommend and vote for property tax increases when it is appropriate and necessary in order to run county government and provide services.  However before we ever talk about raising taxes I would make every effort to economize.  Lets start by making department heads accountable for their budgets.  Lets replace county employees that aren't doing their jobs by an annual performance evaluation.  Lets review service contracts, combine purchasing and resources (like forming a motor pool) to work efficiently and trim costs.  As your county official I would put pressure on the State Legislature to fund Ravalli County  for the problems they have not resolved and pass back to the counties.  Taxes from our citizens should be used to solve problems and provide high-quality services rather than to merely increase the size of the county government.  Before we increase our property taxes maybe we should try to run our county government more efficiently.

(5)  Sales Tax, Yes or No? 

Answer:  Yes.  I could support a general sales tax on all retail purchases, food and drugs, (excluding prescriptions).  Provided the percentage was capped and earmarked for special projects like: The Homeless, Schools, Roads and Sheriff's Department. (not diluted into the State's general fund)  The revenue would have to be separately managed so the money could actually gets to the intended project. Until sales tax becomes a reality, or a local County option, we don't need to spend time on this issue.

(6)  Sale and use of Public Land?

Answer:  STOP MESSING WITH IT!  Don't sell our public land to finance budget mistakes, Stop selling public land to benefit the greedy, while denying our citizens access to existing forest service roads, trails, lakes, hunting areas etc. 
Hikers, horses, lamas, and mountain bikers must learn to get along.  Live and let live.
Licensed ATV's should have every right to drive on forest service roads and more designated areas should be developed for their off road use.
Logging. mining and, drilling companies that lease public land for their profit must return the land in the same (or better) condition.  They must post insurance bonds in sufficient amounts to provide protection in case of accidental environmental discharges and damage to down stream neighbors personal property and aquifers. They should not be allowed to avoid their responsibility by claiming bankruptcy.
I support the economic development of these industries, and the hard working people they employ. However, their track record needs improving, and they must become better stewards of the land.  It's a shame that it is necessary to have so many laws and agencies govern their activities so our rights as the real owners of the land can be protected.

(7) Right to Ranch and Farm?

Answer: Absolutely!  Ranching and farming are essential businesses that produce necessary products for consumption and export.  They are usually run by families or businesses that respect the land,  provide open spaces, and have a sense history and heritage.
If, a Rancher or Farmer wants to sell their privately owned property I would encourage them to sell it to someone who wants to continue  the same agricultural activity. If they can't find a buyer, or family member who wants to carry on, there should not be laws or zoning that restrict these private citizens from selling their property to anyone, providing the future use of the land complies with all county rules and regulations.

(8)  Where do you stand on the current effort to implement comprehensive zoning and managed growth?

Answer:  It's about time!  My first visit to the Bitterroot was 37 years ago and we needed it then.  Over the years there have been several attempts to institute a planning/growth plan but the Commissioners never seemed to want it enforced.  Now I think the whole community is so angry, divided and threatened, that the Commissioners will finally support and let the process proceed.  My thanks to the devoted volunteers on the various committees that are rallying the people for their input.
With a better understanding of water issues and keeping land set aside for agriculture, hunting and recreation, there still is plenty of land available for appropriate development.
It's time we had Zoning Regulations that are fair and apply to everyone, and a growth and development plan that looks to our future.
I often use a quote from the Hollywood movie "Operation Petticoat".  "There is profit in chaos".
Think about it!

(9)  What is the biggest challenge facing Ravalli County?

Answer:  The biggest challenge is MONEY and the budget.  There is no question that Zoning is our current priority.  If the county wasn't growing then we wouldn't be talking about the need to expand our infrastructure and provide additional essential services.  Since we can't put our valley in a 'time capsule' or gate the roads, we should face the fact that it takes money to fund the local government that provides us with all the services we demand, like; Roads, Police, Fire, Recreational opportunities etc.  If we want (as a community) to plan our growth and shape our future, then we have to fund the departments that provide those services.

It is time for a change.  My name is Richard Marcus, candidate for Ravalli County Commissioner Dist. 1. and I am asking for your support and your vote on Primary election day April 3rd.