Fiscal responsibility invests in our future

As we head into the fall of 2007, some very important facts about this year's legislative sessions are suddenly being left out in the cold.

Last month, House Speaker Scott Sales, a Republican from Bozeman, was in Columbia Falls discussing state spending, where he reportedly claimed that spending had recklessly skyrocketed in recent years. While partisan politics may never change, partisan differences should not be used to deliberately distort the truth. And in this case, the facts speak louder than the spin.

The truth: Montana is on the move, and much of the progress our state is experiencing right now is a direct result of the last two legislative sessions, the leadership of Gov. Schweitzer and the hard work of local legislators like Doug Cordier.

Here are some facts that can't be disputed:

? Our state's improving business environment has helped Montana attain the lowest unemployment rate in its history — and one of the lowest rates in the nation.

? Thanks to improved fiscal management, our state's bond rating has just increased for the first time in 26 years.

? Business Facilities magazine recently ranked Montana's pro-business climate as No. 1 in the nation.

? The 2007 Legislature successfully passed the largest tax cut in our state's history — including a $400 property tax rebate for Montana homeowners.

As for claims about exorbitant increases in state spending, let's look at the investments that the last two legislative sessions made:

? We provided health insurance to more kids and families, helped seniors get affordable prescription drugs and invested in community health care centers so more people have access to healthcare in their own communities.

? We helped more Montana children jump-start their education by offering full-time kindergarten, capped tuition at Montana's colleges and universities, and provided more scholarships through state's "Best and Brightest" scholarship program.

? We moved toward energy independence by requiring 15 percent renewables by 2015, encouraged development of "clean and green" energy and advanced the carbon capture agenda.

? We enacted the "families fish for free" program and invested in new state parks and fishing access sites.

At the same time that the Legislature was making those investments in the state's future, we also took the fiscally responsible approach of putting money aside in the event of an emergency. And it's a good thing we did. Four months after the regular legislative session ended, the state was suffering though one of the worst fire seasons in recent years. Without that additional money set aside, the state would have been empty handed when the time came to cover this year's unexpected emergency fire costs.

Throughout the last two session, the governor and Democratic legislators have done our best to make sure that working families in Montana gets a fair deal — and we've done it through fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, and smart investments in our children, our schools, our health care system and our land.

Rep. Mike Jopek is a Democratic farmer who represents the Whitefish area in the State Legislature. He welcomes comments and feedback at mjopek@mt.gov.

Thanks for post office option

To the editor,

Thank you, Dan Petek, for offering the option to the USPS, for us to keep our addresses and receive our mail in Hungry Horse instead of Columbia Falls.

Nancy Moser

Martin City

Keep Glacier open later

To the editor,

I would like to applaud Mr. Berkheimer on the letter that he wrote regarding the early closures at Glacier Park. Although I am not retired, and I do not have school aged children, I too love going to Glacier Park in September and early October. Some of us working people have to take vacation time after the season, not necessarily at the peak of the season.

As a 20-year-plus resident of Northwest Montana, I would take dinner to the park after work until right up to the time the roads would be closed. We would sit at Avalanche Creek with the rail across the road blocking vehicle passage and eat Chester fried chicken and watch the wildlife. The foliage changes and fragrances are so nice in the fall.

The shopping at Glacier is a lot more relaxed once the major onslaught of tourists has left. The selections are just as good as the beginning of the season.

Staffing for the vendors does not always have to be college students that need to get back to their respective education. What is wrong with hiring grandma and grandpa that just want a little time away from home and may not have the opportunity or means to travel? Or maybe some veterans that would like a short-time job. Staffing should not be an excuse for early closures.

Add my name to the list of travelers that would like to see the park stay open and staffed longer.

Tina St. John-Horner

Remembering Martin City mail delivery years ago

I remember when Martin City had the only theater for three cities, plus a soda fountain. The school sat up against the hill and the girls had to play baseball with the boys as there were not enough boys to field a team. Yes, we did play Hungry Horse and Coram.

The mail was delivered two times a day and delivered by a woman in a panel truck. She never missed at day. Clara Vernell was the postmistress and did it alone.

Martin City was always the exception to the rule… and I am proud to say I came from there, and tell everyone who will listen.

Pam Morris Denby

Plano, Texas