Five Valleys Pachyderm Club

Geoff will discuss the history of the electoral college in presidential elections and the growing movement to eliminate it. In remembrance of Thema Baker, who voted 6 times in the Montana Electoral College starting in 2000, join us to take part in the discussion. 

Bradley Seaman, Missoula County Elections Administrator will discuss upcoming 2026 elections, recruiting election judges, revisions to candidate filings, and write-in candidate laws, legal challenges to election bill and requirements for dates and signatures on mail in ballot envelopes. Find out about more about the elections office  and being an election judge and sign up for trainings here .

Jesse will discuss the challenging issue of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) that Missoula city uses to supplement development through out local taxpayer dollars. Jesse opposes TIF financing and will explain why he believes TIF drive up property taxes and artificially increases the cost of living. Read more about AFT Montana at https://mt.americansforprosperity.org/ . You can get more information on the City of Missoula's use of TIF on the Missoula Redevelopment Agency's website .

Dr. Kia, a professor of history and director of the University of Montana's Central and Southwest Asian Studies Center will discuss the escalating tensions across the Middle East, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, and the importance of President Trump's historic deal making in the Middle East. Bring friends.

Michael Colyer, will discuss the Missoula Police Department's efforts to protect Missoula residents and will cover the status of criminal activity within our community. Read more about our the chief here .  Keep up on the Missoula Police Department on their website . And just a reminder that 2026 dues are due January 1. If you have not yet paid for your membership, you can pay online on the membership page , pay at a meeting, or send your check to Five Valleys Pachyderm, PO Box 2202, Missoula, MT 59806. 

Hope you are having a Happy New Year!  And just a reminder that 2026 dues are due January 1. If you have not yet paid for your membership, you can pay online on the  membership page , pay at a meeting, or send your check to Five Valleys Pachyderm, PO Box 2202, Missoula, MT 59806.