Page 23 - Flathead Beacon // 4.30.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM OPINION APRIL 30, 2014 | 23

MEET OUR TEAM
UNCOMMON GROUND Mike Jopek

Turnout Matters

L
IKE SPRING PLANTING, NEW such extreme legislation, nor did the
elections are here. A lot of people governor as he vetoed a historic amount

are simply fed up with political of socially derisive and simply bad bills.
nonsense. Politicians aren’t often fo- Voters routinely pay the high cost for
cused on practical or simple policies to not voting with a subsequent rash of ex-
better the everyday lives of people.
treme legislation.
Gridlock is the politician’s tool to ef- With low voter turnout, the U.S.
fectively protect those fortunate enough Senate will fall into the political con-
to currently beneit from status quo laws trol of tea partiers like those serving in

and policies. Ugliness in political cam- the House who shut down the govern-
paigns assures that fewer people pay at- ment. The impending rush of corporate-
tention and more or better candidates written bills won’t help the middle class
stay of the ballot. Less voter focus on much. Voters nationwide may suddenly
policy beneits select interests.
ask former Gov. Brian Schweitzer to loan
On recess during the session Sen. his Montana-registered veto branding
Jon Tester was planting lentils, peas iron to the president.
and barley on his farm, while Sen. John That will make great political the-

Walsh was holding education round- ater, but the Sen. Ted Cruz-style poli-
tables meeting with local leaders at our tics will push to transform Medicare
great state colleges.
into vouchers and substantially increase
Walsh has been listening to students. the age of retirement. Seniors, who vote
Montana rightly froze tuition at four-
more than students, aren’t likely to put
up with much more political
nonsense.

Marty Puryer Jr. | Flooring Sales
“GRIDLOCK IS THE POLITICIAN’S Locally the Flathead
Valley Community College
TOOL TO EFFECTIVELY PROTECT board of trustee election is
Mnext week. Early ballots have
asterpiece Carpet One is excited to bring THOSE FORTUNATE ENOUGH been mailed and polls are
open May 6. Next Tuesday
Marty to our team! Marty has lived in the voters will choose the direc-
TO CURRENTLY BENEFIT FROM tion of the college as well as
Flathead Valley for over 40 years and has over
STATUS QUO LAWS AND K-12 education.
30 years of experience in the building industry. By measurements like the
Whether you are in the market for carpet, POLICIES.”
nursing program, the early
childhood learning program,
hardwood or tile, Marty can help guide you thru or the new farming programs,
FVCC is doing a good job and
the process.
meeting the demand of local
year schools, but average students still
learners and businesses.
With the extensive variety of products available graduate with nearly $30,000 of debt Up for reelection are incumbent
for public education. Walsh says his plan trustees John Phelps and Tom Harding.
today it is much easier and more afordable will save students thousands of dollars Harding has been a trustee since 1990;
by capping loan interest rates at 4 per- Phelps seeks a third term and was both
than ever to create your dream home. With the cent forever.
a student of the college and later taught
guidance of Marty and his building experience In the June 3 primaries many college classes.
students will vote for Walsh’s pocket- Firmly interwoven in the Flathead
you are sure to ind the right loor to meet your
book policies. Student loan debt is cata- Valley, the community college is grow-
needs.
strophically high. But it’s likely that stu- ing to meet the needs of the area. The
dents will choose apathy and join other community college has provided many
nonvoters who do not participate during good alternatives in the recent years and
Whether you are building a new home, working midterm elections.
ofers afordable options to the stagger-
In the 2010 midterm elections, a ing private cost of public education.
on a remodel or if it is just time for a change, stop wave of tea partiers rode the national Voters would be smart to participate
low voter turnout wave to Helena and in the FVCC and K-12 elections. Low vot-
in and see Marty for your next project.
Washington, D.C. Progressive and mod- er turnout routinely foretells next years’
MASTERPIECE erate politicians were tossed out by the extreme or ideological politics and poli-
bucket load.
cies.
The subsequent Montana Legisla- FVCC is the local hub of higher
CARPET ONEture was pegged by the Democratic gov- learning in the valley. They do a great
FLOOR
ernor as bat crap crazy, and by a veteran job. How the college or local K-12 schools
Republican member as scaring home- move forward over the coming years has
& HOME
town constituents and making legisla- everything to do with how many voter
tors look like a bunch of baboons.
turnout to elect our leaders next Tues-
Clearly, Montanans did not want
day,May6.
2541 US Highway 2 E • Kalispell

Mike (Uncommon Ground) Jopek and Dave (Closing Range) Skinner often fall on op-
(406) 752-0924 • www.carpetone.com
posite sides of the fence when it comes to political and outdoor issues. Their columns
alternate each week in the Flathead Beacon.