by Travis Mateer

A week ago, Danny Carlino made a comment on a post where I boasted prophetic accuracy in anticipating a bond-scheme to fund some large project in Urban Renewal District II. In response, I asked a question, then waited for a response. And waited. I’m still waiting.

Now, Carlino has no obligation to respond to my questions, even after I tested the alliance waters with this open letter, so it’s not the lack of response that bothers me. It’s what Carlino finds MORE IMPORTANT to be doing with his time I find irksome, like doxxing the Zootownmeme account. I like how “auntiee_mt” responded to Danny’s action:

Before the election that put this youngster on Council, Carlino was accurately describing the dire nature of what regular Missoulians are facing and the urgency to do something about it.

It is not too late to preserve the Missoula way of life, but we must act now. As the only working-class renter in the race, I’ll be the first member of City Council who actually represents the average Missoulian. As such, my work in office will address some of the largest issues facing our community, including the following affordability issues: Childcare, Public Transportation, and Housing.

After the election, it’s easy for any newbie to get caught up in all the various distractions that require some response, like being BEAR SMART. Here’s Carlino giving his opinion on the URGENCY of making sure all the Californians moving to Montana will be considerate of bears:

Bear Smart advocates have noted Missoula’s population growth, along with that of other cities in western Montana. That growth is forcing bears to exist in smaller regions, and it cuts off migration routes needed to maintain a dynamic gene pool.

Those behind the Change.org petition believe that “it’s fair to expect all people living in bear country to know the rules of living here, peacefully with wildlife.” Some members of City Council agree.

“It’s really urgent that we try to take action on that, or at least start looking more into it,” said council member Daniel Carlino.

This emphasis highlights what Carlino considers URGENT on March 8th. Bears.

Another issue arising on Carlino’s priority list is decriminalizing mushrooms. While I’m supportive of this idea, I’m immediately suspicious of slick-looking organizations, like Decriminalize Nature. I’m also not sure “average” Missoulians will consider this a priority, or will appreciate Carlino’s attempt to connect this issue to housing. From the link:

Carlino said that the “decriminalize nature” policy idea could actually help ease Missoulians housing woes.

“This helps with securing rent and housing. When people are arrested on felony charges for possessing natural substances, that makes it harder to find a rental,” Carlino tweeted.

This stretch to tie illegal mushrooms to housing woes might make for a good tweet, but out here in the real world, it don’t mean shit to Missoula renters facing housing insecurity.

But I’m glad this Oakland organization with pics from the Psychedelic Society of San Francisco is getting some attention from a Montana City Council person.

If mushrooms, bears and doxxing anonymous meme accounts is how Danny Carlino wants to spend his time, that’s fine.

Just don’t expect me to waste MY time seriously considering a TIF “reform” alliance with this kid, because he’s clearly got A LOT of growing up to do.