1st Lady Insights

It is a sad day for the city of Helena and the state of Montana when the governor and Janet Kelly announced that there will be no History Center at the Mall. Maybe people don’t realize what they are going to loose. If Wyoming, can have a World Class Museum and History Center “Why Can’t Montana”? It is incredible to me that HB540 passed overwhelmingly permitting bonding authority for $7.5 Million to purchase the Mall for our History Center. “The Powers That Be” violated the legislative intent. The Governor negotiated the price down to $6.5 Million. The property is appraised for $10 Million. ” What a bargain”

It doesn’t bother me that I’m blamed for the failure! I just cry a lot. But so what. It releases the tension. I don’t intend to quit trying as long as the legislature is in town. I hope all the laws they pass and are signed by the governor aren’t treated like this one. Think of what it cost to pass HB540 and they are completely ignoring it.

I guess there is a recession. We have had them before. Life goes on and sometimes great new ideas are spawned. I thought we needed to create Jobs! What better opportunity than to build a “World Class Museum and History Center”. Our opposition calls it a “Heritage Center”. I could live with that but there are probably 50 Heritage Centers or more with that handle. in the state. I think it needs to match “Our Big Sky Country”

Oh yes, we were talking about “JOBS.The seller, Mr. Mendenhall, has offered to build a NEW MALL.He is willing to spend $46 Million for he wants it to be the best in the west. Of course , you wouldn’t need very many workers to do a little job like that! However, I sure like the idea, for People from all over the state would come here to shop instead of going to Seattle and I guess they go to Salt Lake too. I sure think that would be great. Did you know that in 2005, 385 Thousand visitors (tourists) stayed overnight in Helena. Whoops – Not all the same night. I wonder where they had their dinner and what they did when they were here? I bet they would love to visit the Museum and see the Bob Scriver Bronze Collection and the Poindexter Art. Gee Whiz, I wish we could see it too!!

Oh yes, then there is the discussion of where to PARK? The mall site has 750-770 parking places, depending on the size of the bus or the motor home, but the opposition is going to build on a parking lot. Estimated cost $19,000 per space to replace them.. Where will the people who park there now go? Oh well, there will be a parking lot in the basement of the old MHS building. Oh my – where will all the artifacts go while they build? And oh yes, I forgot to tell you they will close a couple of streets too. If you want to talk to your Legislators, you want to start early, for you will have a long way to walk.

Just one last thought!!!I still have hope! I don’t plan to give up. But I will need your help!!!

Oh you know what? I am just learning about Blogging! Maybe I am not doing it right. So I better say “ good bye for now”. This is kinda long. Thanks for reading this. I hope you all have a great day!!!

Some say, “you are never to old to learn”.  I hope they are right for I am very grateful to Lori for my first lesson in how to enjoy Blogging.  In fact I now have my own blog .  I am looking forward to making many new friends.  Today is going to be a good day.  Best wishes to all of you

January 20^th will be a very historic day

Try to imagine the emotional feelings that Laura and George Bush will feel at leaving the White House. I feel sure they have grown close over the eight years they have been there with many of those who have served them and cared for them while at the White House. They will feel sad but also glad in many ways for the burdens of the job will be lifted and they will look forward I would think to going back to their home in Texas and to have more time to be with. I would think that would be something that would be exciting for them.

Try to imagine also the emotions that First Lady Michelle and President Elect Barrack Obama and their two little girls will feel. By the end of the day they will also feel complete exhaustion. They will be to excited and to tired to sleep. It is a great moment in our history and I wish them the very best. I am very glad I could be here to see it happen. Tim and I have been to several inaugurations and regardless of what capacity you are in when you go thee it is a tremendous thrill. We will be watching from home this year but I am sure it will still be a thrill.

I can’t help but think how grateful we are that we live in America where changing leadership and parties in our government is much easier than it is in foreign countries. It doesn’t always go as smooth in foreign countries as it will here. I’m pleased that everything has been congenial and pleasant for both the President Elect Obama.

It was completely different for us. Tim assumed office as Governor after the death of a wonderful friend in a plane crash.

Hello folks.  This is my first post on my new blog.  We’re having a few technical issues, so we may not be up and running quite as quickly as I wanted to be.  Be back with the good stuff soon.