Page 26 - Flathead Beacon // 4.1.15

26 | APRIL 1, 2015 OPINION
LETTERS
PROTECTING HASKILL BASIN
I will be voting “No” to Whitefish’s resort tax increase. Rhetoric coming from proponents cleverly implies that “No” voters don’t care about protecting Haskill Basin or securing our future water supply. This is nonsense. I am very much in favor of those things. However, we are about to spend almost $15 million on a new City Hall and parking structure when we could get something quite adequate for $5 million, freeing up enough money to protect Haskill Basin and our future water supply without increasing the resort tax.
What sort of example are we setting for our children if we spend lavishly while also claiming that we don’t have enough money for basics? Let’s not be the guy who asks his parents for food money while at the same time buying a Porsche.
It’s always easy to spend freely when it’s someone else’s money, and then keep asking for more. If we keep giving more, we are also to blame. We need to be the responsible ones and say to city officials, “Figure out a way to make it work with what you have.” Quite simply, we must demand that those entrusted with spending our money do so wisely.
I am not voting “No” to water. I am voting “No” to excess, and, as best I can, I am voting “Yes” to prudence and fiscal responsibility.
Clyde Dicks Whitefish
SUPPORT EARLY EDUCATION
A little over two years ago our family was blessed with a happy, healthy grandson. We were happy to learn a few months ago that we now have a granddaughter on the way. As any grandparent will tell you, there is no more important person in the world than a grandchild. We need to make sure this newest generation is well prepared for the challenges they will face in this ever changing world. High quality early education is vitally important to help these children thrive as students and later as adults. Research has shown that 90 percent of brain development occurs before age 5. Montana is one of only eight states that does not have universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds. Gov. Steve Bullock’s Early Edge proposal would ensure that our children are better prepared to succeed in school. Under this proposal, school districts will have the option of receiving a block grant and establishing an early education program. Participation will be voluntary so parents can decide for themselves if this is the right choice for their child. Some of the
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high quality standards required include 1:10 teacher to student ratio, a lead teacher with an early grades endorsement and curriculum appropriate to what kids will learn in kindergarten. This curriculum will be language-rich structured play, not forcing 4-year-olds to sit at a desk and take tests, Early Edge will be funded through existing revenue so no new taxes will be needed. Please help every Montana grandchild get the opportunity to reach their full potential, tell your legislator that you support investing in our earliest learners.
Will Randall Kalispell
VOTE FOR THOMPSON FOR FEC BOARD
I am writing to convey my support for Muffie Thompson for a term on the Flathead Electric Cooperative’s board of directors. I have been a member of the coop for 30 years. Like you I have benefitted from the capable management and operation of this essential utility. Careful and thought full oversight of FEC is essential to insure continued good service and fair rates. Based on my experience at my businesses and home, FEC is blessed with good management and a talented, dedicated staff. The utility deserves to continue to have a board that is committed and educated in the operations of what has become one of the largest cooperatives in Montana. Serving on an advisory council like FEC requires individuals who are capable of quickly learning the ins and outs and can provide the guidance and input that can only come from pertinent business experience.
Thompson is a seasoned, respected businessperson and has served in numerous community leadership rolls and on boards of major businesses including the Kalispell Regional Hospital Board. She is well educated and anyone who knows her or has conducted business with her will tell you she is very intelligent and provides valuable insight. Thompson is also diligent and of unquestionable integrity and has the credentials and credibility to represent you the owners. Choosing members for this board is an important task. I am happy we have citizens like Muffie Thompson who are willing to step up to the plate and commit the time for no personal gains other than the opportunity serve our community.
Please join me in supporting Muffie Thompson for Flathead Electric Cooperative Board of Directors.
Michael Hayes Kalispell
RE-ELECT EMERY SMITH
Please re-elect Emery Smith for Flathead Electric Co-op Trustee, District 2. Emery’s proven, hard working leadership serving on the Flathead
Electric Board since 2003 has resulted in keeping electric rates low, keeping infrastructure state of the art and running the co-op in a professional, fiscally responsible manner.
Emery is one of the most intelligent, prepared and competent people I have dealt with in my professional career. For many years Emery Smith has kept my computer systems running properly for my engineering business. Emery is always prepared and continually studies and takes continuing education to make him informed and competent of the latest technology.
A review of Emery’s resume shows that he has taken many hours of continuing education related to his Flathead Electric Co-op responsibilities, showing his hard work and steadfast desire to be as prepared and informed as possible on the Flathead Electric Co-op Board.
Based on Emery’s successful service on the Flathead Electric Board, I urge you to join me in voting to re-elect Emery Smith for Flathead Electric Coop District 2 Trustee.
Jeff H. Larsen Lakeside
CAST YOUR VOTE FOR RUBY
If you are like me, you might be among the 85 percent of Flathead Electric Co-op members who routinely file those trustee ballots somewhere without really reading the biographies of the candidates and taking the time to vote.
When those ballots arrive, we have a worthy candidate, Alan Ruby, who deserves our votes. Alan has served 13 years representing District 5 as a Flathead ElectricCo-optrustee,andhehasmy vote to continue his service for another three-yearterm.
The principle of service above self is evident in all that Alan Ruby commits himself to. He dedicates his time to his community through membership in the Ancient Order of Hiberians (the folks whobring you the St. Patrick’s Day parade), the Gateway to Glacier Trail group, as a Rotarian and as Vice Chair of the Flathead County Solid Waste Board. And Alan is no stranger to private sector business. Together with his wife Mary, Alan owns and operates three small businesses in Flathead County.
In an energy dependent world, proper representation in our Electric Cooperative is so important. Alan Ruby’s history demonstrates that he is devoted to making sound decisions that are in our best interest as co-op members and consumers of electricity. I hope you will join me in casting a vote for Alan Ruby for District 5 Trustee.
Stacey Schnebel Coram
LETTERS
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CORRECTIONS
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