Last week's Question of the Week asked readers whether, in general, they would be bothered if a company buying a Montana utility is from another country.

Most said they'd be bothered.

Among 520 responses to this unscientific poll, 381 said they would be concerned, while 139 said they would not.

Some readers' comments:

- No sale. Out-of-country entities simply do not have the interests of local workers or the local economy in mind when attempting these takeovers. Gruppo Mexico should not be forgotten or forgiven.

- Yes, it would bother me. Just look at what a Pennsylvania company (PPL) is like to deal with; they obviously care only about maximizing profits and are far enough removed that Montanans have no leverage in dealing with them. Think how much further removed a foreign company would be. I'd much rather see public ownership of these essentially unregulated, monopolistic businesses.

- Why not? During the 1980s, didn't the Japanese buy just about every building in New York City?

- I cannot understand why the people of Montana can't own and operate this public utility for the benefit of the people of Montana. The only reason BBI is interested is so that their investors can make substantial profits. Montana consumers would once again suffer the consequences if this deal in any form is approved.