Montana Commerce officials defend timber industry loan program

In a contentious meeting Thursday with Ravalli County commissioners, Montana Commerce Director Tony Preite defended his department’s handling of a new federal and state stimulus program for the timber industry.

Preite also denied that his long-time friendship with Dick King, president of the Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation, was unduly influencing the DOC’s decision-making.

Preite told the commission he requested the meeting in response to their critical comments last week in a Ravalli Republic article, which he said prompted a flurry of calls to the DOC from across the state.

After an hour and a half, the meeting ended with neither side backing down but agreeing it had been wise to discuss their differences face to face.

“We did everything we could today,” Preite said.

by JOHN CRAMER – Ravalli Republic

Full Story: http://www.ravallirepublic.com/articles/2009/08/21/news/news16.txt