Page 26 - Flathead Beacon // 10.26.16

UNCOMMON GROUND 29 REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK 30 DRAWING BOARD 31 Viewpoints
LETTERS
Support Holmquist for County Commissioner
Residents! Taxpayers! Voters! We must choose our future county commis- sioner in the forthcoming election and we would submit and request your sup- port in reelecting Pamela Holmquist.
This candidate has a proven track record of developing, re ning and upholding each of the “core values” inherent in the very substance of our county. The character of each depart- ment, their supervisors and the sta that produces results each and every day are the result of this candidate’s leader- ship, vision, and fortitude.
We are fortunate to have an individ- ual that is considering goals and objec- tives that are not only near term, but the foreseeable future, as well. That is how our precious resources are to be pro- tected and enhanced!
What is your outlook for the future? Join us in including Pam Holmquist! An opportunity to vote is a precious gift!
John and Margie Donoghue Bigfork
Skees is a Principled Conservative
Please join me in voting for Derek Skees for House District 11. Skees is a principled, unyielding conserva- tive with a proven record of protecting our property rights, our freedoms and our pocketbooks. Skees stands strong against the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact and he stands for the sanctity of life from birth to elderly. Skees will ght to secure House District 11 much needed relief in property taxes.
Skees will work hard to overturn burdensome regulations that sti e our economy. He will ght to reign in the growth of this state government, and ght to end the business equipment tax. Skees is opposed to allowing refu- gees that can’t be vetted properly from settling in our community.
I have known Derek and his family for decades. He lives by the rule that character is more easily maintained than recovered. Derek Skees is a proven principled conservative, and he always will be. Derek Skees will always place our safety and our freedom rst. There- fore, I will vote for Derek Skees for HD 11. I urge you to vote for him as well.
Je H. Larsen Lakeside
School Superintendent: Thanks for Unprecedented Support
Thank you, rst and foremost, to the community of Kalispell and all of the
communities that make up our partner districts – we are so grateful that you have supported Kalispell Public Schools and the need to build a new elementary school and update our existing schools. We believe our schools are part of the fabric of this community and will con- tinue to make it a great place to learn and live. Thank you for giving us your trust and support.
Thank you to everyone for voting. We will be diligent, transparent and accountable with the use of these funds, applying them to improve the quality of education, now and for future genera- tions, at Kalispell Public Schools.
There were many people who worked so hard to make passage of both bonds possible – in particular our community partner, Kalispell Chamber of Com- merce. There were also so many parents who helped get the word out and who trust us every day with their children. Both groups did an amazing job.
Thank you to sta who worked long hours to ensure that all questions were answered and facts shared wherever and whenever they were needed. We will continue to listen to all points of view and to value all stakeholders in this next phase of planning.
We are excited about the next step – we have lots of work ahead of us, but we will continue to involve and report to the public to ensure your dollars are spend appropriately. On behalf of our Board of Trustees, our sta and the approximate 5,900 students we serve, we cannot say how much this unprecedented vote of support means to us and how seriously we take that responsibility.
Mark Flatau, school superintendent Kalispell
Regier’s Conservative Record is Clear
I am writing in support of Keith Regier, Republican candidate for Mon- tana’s Senate District 3.
For many of us who are unfamiliar with the legislative process, approach- ing legislators or visiting Helena can be quite intimidating. In the last legisla- tive session, Rep. Keith Regier was not only approachable, but he took the time to listen to my concerns on the issue brought to him. This was extraordinary considering how much work legislators are faced with during a four-month ses- sion in Helena.
I have seen rsthand Keith Regier’s personal integrity, strong work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to rep- resenting the interests of our state. His actions clearly demonstrate the respect he has for the Constitution, the legisla- tive process, and most importantly, the
people.
Rep. Regier’s conservative record
is clear, and speaks for itself. He is well informed, and tackles signi cant issues with diligent research and thor- ough understanding. He has success- fully introduced legislation intended to provide appropriate solutions and responses to the signi cant issues fac- ing Montana.
Keith Regier brought strong leader- ship to the House of Representatives and he will be an excellent Senator.
I encourage you to vote for Keith Regier for Montana Senate District 3.
Terry Backs St. Ignatius
‘Montana Tradition’ a Hoax
Per the argument for I-177 (voter info pamphlet): “the kill is often not quick or e cient, su ering of trapped animal is enormous and can last for days.” This does not conform to “Montana’s tradi- tion of fair chase and respect for ani- mals.” Anyone who believes this “tra- dition” has to be an ignorant hypocrite because it is malarkey. Animals are pursued by hunters who employ unfair tactics to kill the animal from ambush. These include timers/cameras, scents, lures, feeds, camou age, tree stands and very long range ri es.
The game are mostly shot with a ri e, shotgun or bow and often times it is poorly placed. The terri ed wounded animal struggles and sometimes escapes to a slow and painful death. This is a violent sport and not one that shows any humane treatment for the game. A quick death is their best hope for reliev- ing their agony.
“Fair chase” was the same argument used against the elk farmers in 2000 because some o ered “canned hunts.” It didn’t matter that these elk were actu- ally livestock and not wild or that they were always killed in the shortest time, minimizing their agony.
I am an elk farmer and not against hunting. Seeing “fair chase” used in this election is a painful reminder of the smear campaign they used caus- ing many elk farmers to lose their busi- nesses, incomes and property rights for no good reason.
The hunters and well-funded special interest groups used the Montana hoax for convincing the ignorant voters with clever media ads of misinformation to ban private livestock shooting and new farms.
James Weber Marion
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OCTOBER 26, 2016 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
LETTERS
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