Olsen asks for investigation of Bischoff

Libby City Councilman Allen Olsen met with the Lincoln County commissioners Wednesday afternoon to express his concern about what he labeled as ‘crimes’ perpetrated by four current and former county employees. At issue, said Olsen, is a series of emails between Bill Bischoff and members of the Libby City Council, allegedly taking place on county computers and during county working hours. 

Before Olsen could begin his statement to the commissioners, Libby attorney Ann German rose and requested a seat at the table. German said she was present to represent Bischoff, and asked permission to record the session. Bischoff, who generally attends the commissioners’ meetings, was not present for Olsen’s comments although he was at work in the courthouse. Commissioner Cole told German he was unsure of the exact nature of Olsen’s intended comments and declined her request to sit at the table. The commissioners did, however, give her permission to record the proceedings.

At the outset of the meeting, Commissioner Mike Cole cautioned Olsen to be careful about how he delivered his comments, citing a concern with adversely impacting the investigation and possible prosecution by the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices.

“Everybody has seen the corruption coming out of city hall,” Olsen said. “I think what you guys may not know is the corruption started in this office under Tony Berget’s watch. There’s four key players in this. Mr. Bischoff’s one of them, Ms. Benson’s another one of them, Diane Davis is another one of them and Allan Payne is another one of them.”

At issue were a series of emails exchanged between Bischoff and Robin Benson, who was, at the time, the deputy county clerk and a county employee. Benson was elected to the post of Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder in November 2014. As an elected official, the county commissioners have no jurisdiction over her conduct.

The emails were sent from Bischoff’s county email account and time-stamped during working hours. Benson used a personal email address for the communications, but they did take place during normal working hours while she was an employee of the county. 

In addition to city business matters, the emails also reference the campaign issues and the city’s suit challenging Olsen’s residency within city limits.

The suit, filed just days before the 2013 mayoral election by then-City Attorney James Reintsma, sought to have Olsen disqualified as a candidate and removed from his seat on the City Council. The suit was dismissed by District Judge James Wheelis, who ruled it was frivolous and without merit. The state Commissioner of Political Practices ruled the suit violated Montana campaign practice laws in a finding issued May 12.

Olsen’s comments did not provide further detail about Davis or Payne, other than to say that Payne is “right in the middle of it.” 

The commissioners expressed their concern with recent events, but would not comment on any specific allegations.

“We’re not going to comment greatly on this particular thing,” Cole said. “But I think you can rest assured that we are continually watching this as it changes every day.”

Peck promised to investigate the matters within the commissioners’ jurisdiction.

“All I can tell you is from my perspective it’s going to be methodical, legal and it’s going to be fair.”