| Vacation 2009 (18 of 21) : |
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As we were booked to return on the train from Glacier Park, we had to drive about 650 miles from Grand Teton, Wyoming to Glacier, Montana. We decided to break the journey and stop in the State Capital of Helena. We wanted to visit the Capitol.
While visiting we started discussing the economy and oportunities in Montana with Dan - a member of the Governor's Staff. We were most surprised when he introduced us the Governor. A pleasure to meet Dan and and priviledge to meet Governor Brian Schweitzer.
The immediate challenge facing Montana is of course the state of the economy although the State has a budget surplus of $300 million (and a population of 1 million). This is heaven compared with the deficit in California of $42 billion with a population of 34 million. The opportunities for the State lies in the resources of wind, coal, oil shales and minerals. The major industry of the State of Montana is farming and beef cattle ranching.
I was surprised that Dan didn't mention tourism as Glacier National Park is possibly the most beautiful place in the USA - and it's accessible by rail. A good healthy influx of retired baby boomers may also bring some unearned wealth to the state - however they'll also bring inflated housing prices to challenge the locals. Montana will prosper - nothing to fear from climate change here.
The State Capitol is a beautiful building. As nice as any we have visited. It was beautifully restored in the late 1990's. Best Wishes to Montana and Thank You, Dan for talking with us on our visit.
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