A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

23 October 2016

Politicians will claim credit for Kalispell bypass
in a praise the pork ceremony on 28 October

It’s ribbon cutting time again. The northern, and final, segment of the westside Kalispell bypass will open Friday afternoon, but before it does, Gov. Steve Bullock, Sen. Jon Tester, Rep. Ryan Zinke, a stand-in for Sen. Steve Daines, local politicians, and Montana Department of Transportation officials, will speak. Here’s the official announcement:

The Kalispell Bypass Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is set for Friday, October 28th. The new bypass will open to traffic shortly after 1:00 P.M. Those wishing to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, park north of the bridge deck over Reserve Loop Drive on the new bypass. The public should watch for parking attendants at both the Northbound on-ramp and Southbound off-ramp to guide and assist with parking. Early arrival is encouraged as the shuttle vans running to the south end to witness the start of the procession will depart promptly at 1:05 P.M.

I suspect the road could be opened sooner, but opening it without a pork praising ceremony featuring “See what a beautiful road I built for you” speeches by the politicians who brought home the bacon would violate every norm of American politics; actually, every norm of politics all over the world.

This is a wonderful opportunity for favorable publicity for Gov. Steve Bullock, who is in a tight election and who can use all the favorable publicity he can get. Will he fly to Kalispell, the smart and safe mode of travel, or will he drive, the slow and less safe mode of travel, to underscore the importance of the event and project? Will Greg Gianforte attend to cheer him, or to crash the party? Will October rain dampen the festivities?

Honk if you’re going to attend. And, if you’re a politician, attend to honk.