Recent events within the Cascade County Republican Central Committee (CCRCC) have raised serious concerns about the leadership practices guiding our organization. Cancelling the monthly Central Committee meeting for November, the Executive Board called an Executive Board meeting in its place on November 12, 2025. In a vote taken by the Executive Board members, the Executive Board attempted to cancel 50% of the regular monthly Central Committee meetings for 2026 and replace them with Executive Board meetings. This, of course, raised great concern by every elected committeeman and woman who value transparency and grassroots participation. CCRCC Chairman Eric Hinebauch defended this action vigorously in emails to the Central Committee members, insisting this approach was justified. Yet, on November 29, 2025, the state GOP ruled that such actions are not permitted under either county or state bylaws, responding to a grievance filed by a handful of Central Committee members.
When leadership decisions require direct intervention from the state party to realign us with our own rules, it signals a serious problem – one that cannot be dismissed as a simple misunderstanding. This discrepancy raises legitimate questions about the Chairs and Executive Boards understanding of the responsibilities and limits of the roles. Bylaws are not optional. They exist to prevent exactly this kind of overreach, to ensure that no individual, regardless of position, can limit the involvement of the broader, elected membership. When those rules are bypassed, even temporarily, the trust that holds an organization together begins to erode.
Our party is at its best when leadership empowers members, not sidelines them. We should expect – and demand – a Chair and Executive Board who knows and understands the bylaws thoroughly, respects them consistently, and works collaboratively rather than independently. Anything less undermines the credibility and effectiveness of our Republican Central Committee.
Central Committee members remained steadfast to organize the December 10 Central Committee meeting in spite of the Boards’ resistance. We are grateful to have had the state GOP expeditiously provide the Record of Decision timely and effectively. Item #3 under “Findings” reads, “The County Executive Committee is subservient to the County Central Committee. It must operate within CCRCC Bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order.”
As Republicans, we pride ourselves on accountability and adherence to the rule of law. Let’s use this incident to motivate us to build a stronger, more transparent and more participatory Central Committee where members have assurance that their rights and roles are being respected. Our local Republicans deserve leadership that not only respects the bylaws but also empowers members and protects the integrity of the process.
Rae Grulkowski
Stockett, MT
