Disclosure By Joe Brenneman

As I run for Flathead County Commissioner, some people seem very interested

in groups I have belonged to. Fair enough. But political attack ads have linked me with groups that I not only do not belong to, but have never even heard of. Voters deserve the truth. Let me tell you about the volunteer groups that I have made any relevant contribution of time or money to.

Habitat for Humanity: This group, motivated by Christian values of charity and concern for affordable housing, helps build homes for people who cannot afford their own. Worldwide, they have built over 150,000 homes. I served on the board of the local chapter, which has helped 16 families move into homes of their own.

Habitat for Humanity requires the new home owners to invest "sweat equity"-a certain number of hours of work into their homes-so they increase their feeling of ownership, and they must pay for the home with a no-interest loan. The mortgage money goes to build more homes. By the way, they can always use more help.

Creston Volunteer Fire Department: My grandfather and my father helped found this volunteer fire department and I am always impressed by the dedication and skill of my fellow volunteers throughout the valley.

I am a fireman and emergency medical technician. If you are unfortunate enough to have an automobile accident in the east part of the valley, I might be the EMT providing c-spine stabilization or operating the extrication tool to get you out. I hope we don't meet like that.

Former Equity Supply now CHS Farm Cooperative: Equity Supply was formed many years ago as a farmer-directed Cooperative to provide for the needs of the farmers in the valley. At one time the Cooperative had a creamery, a feed store, a retail store, a feed manufacturing plant, a fertilizer plant and, long, long ago, even a grocery store.

Equity Supply was merged with CHS about 6 years ago. We still supply fertilizer and animal feed, operate a repair shop, and run two retail stores as well as propane delivery with total sales for the local cooperative of about $11 million.

I have served for over 10 years on the board of directors that provides financial and policy oversight.

Western Dairy Farmers Promotion Association: Over 20 years ago the national dairy industry implemented a generic dairy promotion program funded by money from our own milk checks and the result nationally totals over $150 million.

By law, the program is to be directed by dairy farmers and I have served on that board for about six years.

The "got milk?" advertising program came from that organization as well as significant and important health research for treatment of obesity and high blood pressure.

Alternative Energy Resource Organization: About three years ago I served on the board of this Helena-based group, which works for Montana family farms and ranches.

My main interest and involvement was with programs promoting locally produced agriculture as well as other innovative farming ideas. In an effort to reduce dependence on foreign oil, they also support research and development of innovative energy sources, such as solar and wind power. One of the other programs they developed was a "walk your child to school program" to promote safe sidewalks, healthy exercise and family time. Governor Judy Martz took part in that program. I don't think that makes her a leftist.

Montana Dairy Association: I served for many years as director on this Helena-based organization of Montana dairy farmers.

Somewhat over ten years ago we put together a state wide milk pool system that brought previously contentious farmers and processors together so that milk now moves in much more efficient ways to the benefit of all state dairy farmers as well as consumers.

These are the real organizations to which I have made any relevant contribution of time, money or effort.

If you have questions about any organizations to which I have belonged please give me a call at 257-1189.

Some people in this valley like to label and discredit people. I think all elected officials should listen to and respect all their constituents, not label them.

That's why I am running for Flathead County Commissioner.