Join the Friends of the Montana Constitution for a special presentation with three former legislators who all had the unique experience of serving before and after Montana’s 1972 Constitution was implemented. Discover how our constitution opened up government to the people, giving new power to legislators and local government, and shined a light on how decisions are made.
THE BEFORE AND AFTER TIMES:
Serving in the Montana Legislature Before and After Montana’s 1972 Constitution
Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Billings
Featuring Former Legislators Dorothy Bradley, Bob Brown and Tom Towe
Facilitated by Joel Krautter
The Before and After Times: A FREE Public Presentation
Hosted by the Friends of the Montana Constitution
Monday, June 15, 2026, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Petro Theatre, MSU-Billings Campus, 1500 University Drive
Montana’s 1889 Constitution was written to serve the needs of Montana’s powerful special interests. As a result, the Anaconda Mining Company and other corporate interests had an outsized influence over state governance. In the winter of 1972, 100 Montanans wrote a new constitution that strengthened the governorship, opened up the legislature, and empowered citizens.
Dorothy Bradley, Bob Brown, and Tom Towe had the unique experience of serving in Montana’s Legislature before and after Montana’s new constitution took effect. Prior to the 1972 Constitution there were no requirements for open meetings, roll call votes, public participation and notice of meetings. Montana’s 1972 Constitution opened up government to the people, giving new power to legislators and local government, and shined a light on how decisions are made.
Join this free panel discussion to learn more about “the before and after times” of Montana’s 1972 Constitution and why this most special document continues to serve “We the People.”
About the Speakers:
Dorothy Bradley was elected to eight terms in the Montana House of Representatives, serving from 1971 to 1978 and 1985 to 1992. She currently resides in Clyde Park and is a Board Member for the Friends of the Montana Constitution and an Advisory Board Member for American Prairie.
Bob Brown was a member of the Montana Legislature for nearly 30 years. He was also Senate President, Montana Secretary of State and a Candidate for Governor. Bob is retired in Whitefish and is a Board Member for the Friends of the Montana Constitution.
Tom Towe served in the Legislature for 20 years, four years in the house and 16 years in the Senate. Also, he served for 4 years as the first Chairman of the Montana State Parks and Recreation Board. Tom lives in Billings and is a frequent speaker on the new Constitution.
Joel Krautter served one term in the Montana House of Representatives in 2019 and is an attorney practicing in Billings and Sidney. He is a co-founder and board member of the Friends of the Montana Constitution.
The Friends of the Montana Constitution is a nonpartisan statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring appreciation of Montana’s Constitution, advancing civics education, and celebrating the legacy of the 1972 Constitutional Convention and its delegates. This presentation is funded in part by the Montana 250 Commission and is part of a two-day “Teaching Montana’s Constitution: A Summer Workshop for Educators” held on the MSU-B Campus.