MISSOULA — In a heated hearing, the Missoula City Council on Monday night defeated a measure that would have changed a council rule, leaving the council's minority upset about their perceived lack of influence.

Council member Bob Campbell sought to amend Rule 21, which would limit a council member's ability to bring forth new business without first bringing the item to committee. Issues deemed urgent or an emergency were carved out as exceptions to the proposed change.

Campbell said that bringing an item straight to City Council while bypassing committee limited public input and dialogue.

“At a very minimum, this amendment is getting the exposure it deserves, and so should it be with everything else,” Campbell said. “We should give folks the opportunity to examine what we bring before t

See Full Page