Lewistown News-Argus, July 15, 2001
Opinion by Marv C. Hoffer, Lewistown City Commissioner

Lewistown Commission acts on vision for the future

On July 2, the Lewistown City Commission passed Commission Resolution No. 3481, proclaiming its support for the Missouri River Breaks National Monument as designated for the enjoyment and preservation by all citizens today and for future generations.

We believe it is vital that local governments, the state of Montana, and all citizens aggressively support this national monument. It appears that the Lewistown City Commission is at this point the only local government which has the vision and willingness to proclaim the exceptional values and importance of our "Breaks" National Monument.

We hope and challenge other local and regional governmental entities, individuals, and private organizations to join us in preserving this national heritage in perpetuity.

A vital, but secondary, benefit is potential economic gain from numerous non-consumptive activities, specifically tourism--floating down the river, hiking the raw Breaks environment, refreshing mind, spirit, and body in this, Our Wild Place.

"Build the cathedral and they will come."

In that this "cathedral" is a natural gift to all Montana citizens and to America, we have the exceptional and timely opportunity to apply diligent and wise environmental stewardship while we gain a continuous and modest financial benefit for our regional communities.

As a citizen of Montana and a Lewistown commissioner, I emphatically subscribe to the belief that this goose will lay golden eggs in perpetuity, if we don't kill it with greed, primitive politics and consumptive actions.

It is a reality, it is, and will remain a fact. Let's all enjoy and preserve it together and move on from here.