A Montana Senate ethics investigation has spotlighted a private contractor’s response to allegations against former Senate President Jason Ellsworth. At the center of the controversy is Bryce Eggleston, who contested claims that Ellsworth misused his government role by dividing a $170,100 contract to avoid competitive bidding laws. Eggleston emphasized that he, not Ellsworth, was responsible for contract drafting and cost estimation, a significant point in his defense.
In testimony reported by Montana Free Press, Eggleston explained that his actions were strategic, allowing for potential subcontracting. The task involved analyzing the implementation of up to 27 bills reforming Montana courts, with Eggleston estimating costs at $6,300 per bill. This division of work would enable flexibility, should the scope exceed his one-person business, Agile Analytics, formed shortly before the contracts were issued.
Eggleston’s deposition is part of an effort to amend a Legislative Auditor’s report accusing Ellsworth of ethical violations. The report did not include Ellsworth’s testimony, as he was not given adequate time to secure legal representation. His attorney, Joan Mell, argued for corrections to the report, suggesting transparency in the ongoing inquiry.
The Senate Ethics Committee, equally divided by political party lines, convened Wednesday to establish investigation procedures. Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, appointed Matt Monforton, known for his conservative stance, as his personal attorney, sparking debate over potential bias in the proceedings.
Democratic committee members, including Sen. Laura Smith, expressed concerns over Monforton’s impartiality due to his social media remarks about Ellsworth. They proposed collaborating with Republican members to choose an unbiased attorney. However, Republican Senators Forrest Mandeville and Tom McGillvray defended Regier’s decision, emphasizing that committee staff selections are typically at the president’s discretion.
Amid this ethical scrutiny, the ongoing tension between Senate Republican leadership and former president Ellsworth persists. Recent actions, such as a surprise amendment to Senate Rules and leadership’s temporary halting of committee hearings, underline the contentious political climate. The contract controversy is the latest chapter in this prolonged conflict.
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