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BY ARTHUR HUTCHINSON IR State Bureau Democratic platform strategists have de cided to write separate planks on develop ing natural resources and protecting the state’s natural beauty — raising the possi bility sections of the party’s 1970 political stand may be at odds with each other. Party leaders organized a new committee on conservation and environment for their platform convention here Friday and Satur day. Previously, the sections dealing with conservation problems had been incorporat ed in the natural resources plank. David Fuller, Democrat executive secre tary, said the new committee was formed “because of increased concern in conserva tion and the protection of the environment.” He acknowledged the dual committee set up had a touch of political schizophrenia and could make the platform deliberations “interesting. “But they’re all cool heads,” Fuller said, referring to the committee chairmen. Some common ground is provided by Gov. For rest H. Anderson’s position that economic development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. Sen. Gordon McGowan, Highwood, heads the Natural Resources Committee and Sen. Harry Mitchell, Great Falls, is chairman of the Conservation and Environment Commit tee. Where God Didn’t Plant Them Committee on Mined Land Reclamation and Mining Law, strongly supports development of coal resources. He has had some harsh words for reclamationists whom he once de scribed as ‘‘wanting to plant grass and trees where even God didn’t put them.” Mitchell is an ardent conservationist and a strong protective plank on the environ ment is expected from his committee. All four members of the solidly democrat ic congressional delegation will attend the convention. Sen. Mike Mansfield, who has been ma jority leader of the U.S. Senate longer than any man in history and who is standing for re-election, will give the banquet address Saturday night. Sen. Lee Metcalf, no in mid-term, is ex pected to give some informal remarks. Congressman John Melcher, Eastern Dis trict, will speak at a Friday luncheon and Rep. Arnold Olsen, Western District, will address the Saturday morning session. Chairmanship of the important taxation comittee went to Sen. Stanley Nees, Poplar. The vice chairman is Rep. Larry Fasben der, Fort Shaw, recognized as one of the party’s leading experts on income taxation. Another New Committee Another committee new to the 1970 con vention is on state government. Sen. Wil liam Bertsche, Great Falls, will lead this committee to which the governor’s pet pro ject of executive reorganization will be as signed. Sen. Pat Gilfeather, Great Falls, was named head of the Judiciary Committee which will study revision of the constitution. Other committees and their chairmen are: transportation and utilities, Rep. Miles Romney, Hamilton; social legislation, Rep. Francis Bardanouve, Harlem; industry, Sen. Joe Reber, Helena; agriculture, Gor don McComber, Fairfield; labor, Sen. George Siderius, Somers; Veterans affairs, Robert Durkee, Lewis and Clark County chairman; aid to local governments, Rep. Harold Gerke, Billings, and resolutions, Sen. David James, Joplin.
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Helena Independent Record

Helena, Montana, US

Wed, Sep 09, 1970

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