Payne hired to represent county

We wanted to take this opportunity to clarify a recent article in The Western News concerning Allan Payne’s representation of Lincoln County in matters relating to Stinger Welding.

The prior Board of Commissioners did hire Mr. Payne to represent the county in pending litigation with Stinger Welding and to protect the assets of Lincoln County taxpayers. Mr. Payne provided this representation without charge. Mr. Payne’s knowledge and background in the majority of the Stinger transactions provided a wealth and diversity of information that offered the best representation for the county.

Mr. Payne has done an exceptional job fighting for the citizens of Lincoln County and Libby. It is unfortunate that recent articles have tried to cast a shadow on the great work he has done for his hometown.

In the future if there are questions concerning prior actions of the Commissioners, we are only a phone call away to provide input for accurate and fair reporting.

— Submitted by Bill Bischoff on behalf of former commissioners Marianne Roose, Ron Downey and Tony Berget