Study commission question appears on next Tuesday's ballot

For the first time in 10 years, primary election ballots next Tuesday will ask voters if they want to form a team of citizens to assess their local governments.

Called local government study commissions, the teams review the form and efficiency of government. Over the course of two years, the commissions are required to hold meetings to garner public input and publish reports of their findings. If the commissions recommend any changes, the proposals must appear on the next election ballot for voter approval.

Ken Weaver, a senior political research scientist at Montana State University's Local...