$10 million conservation bond not a 'done deal'
To the editor,
Regarding the story in the July 31 Hungry Horse News about support for a conservation bond:
Your article reads a bit like apple pie, motherhood and baseball, and is written in a tone selling the bond as a done deal. Who could be against clean water and access to recreation? But family farms? Like baseball there are some who aren't as enthusiastic. When and if this bond reaches the ballot there needs to be a better explanation and more detail.
If the survey results accurately reflect the predominate view of most voters, why is a bond issue necessary? If support is so universal it would seem many would donate funds and land to conservation easements.
Flathead County is unable to adequately maintain its roads in a 21st century condition yet it appears eager to buy a 10-million dollar bond for nebulous purposes. You can promote clean water and clean air by reducing dust on roads. As for recreation access, it doesn't appear too many of us are locked out from having the outdoor fun of our choice. Let the family farm folks handle private business without public funding. How about protecting everyone's right to breathe clean air in accordance with the Clean Air Act of Montana? That should be a more important concern. Ten million dollars would be better spent reducing dust on roads.
R.A. Grimaldi
Polebridge
Neutering of feral cats does work in Flathead
To the editor,
In response to Gee Weaver's recent letter regarding cats, I would like to once again point out errors in her arguments. As founder and president of the Flathead Spay & Neuter Task Force, I have spent countless hours researching solutions to the pet overpopulation problem and ways to deal with feral cats. Although Gee may have many years experience in animal welfare, it is obvious that she does not understand "early-age" surgeries or how ferals are managed.
We have provided pediatric surgeries for nine years, under the guidelines of the American Veterinary Association, American Veterinary Hospital Association and the American Humane Association. It is a crucial tool in preventing more puppies and kittens from being born, as it never allows them to come into heat or reproduce. It is a safe, humane procedure that is performed by veterinarians around the country. To imply that we are strictly about "the numbers" is an affirmation that Gee has little knowledge of the way the clinic is run. We try to do moms and babies first so that they are not given away to new homes before that are altered. The reason we are seeing fewer ads for cats and dogs up for adoption (except by rescue groups) is because we are making a real difference in preventing litters.
Gee Weaver quit working with us a year ago and obviously still harbors ill feelings. But to insinuate that we somehow compromise the health and safety of the animals is inexcusable. Euthanasia is the number one cause of death for dogs and cats, more than all diseases combined. We have prevented tens of thousands of dogs and cats from ever being born and swelling the numbers at the Shelter even more.
Trap, neuter and return (TNR) of feral cats does work and there is abundant research to back it up.
Dr. Terry Yunker is our lead veterinarian and is one of the pre-eminent spay/neuter veterinarians in the country, altering over 10,000 animals a year. His expertise and compassion should never be questioned, as he has made it his life's work to end the pain and suffering of pet overpopulation.
Anyone that would like to see a clinic in operation is welcome to stop in (the first weekend of the month and the third week of the month) to see first-hand how we operate. Please feel free to contact us at 892-7387 for more information.
Mimi Beadles, president
Flathead Spay & Neuter Task Force
Ripped off by 'Big Oil'
To the editor,
Some are giving much positive notice to the fact that State of Montana revenues are up due to the price of oil produced in Montana. I assume they must not recognize that citizens of this state participate in creating that revenue each time they buy a petroleum product to be so joyful.
I believe we are getting ripped off once again by Big Oil, but, of course, they have to do that so they can pay management personnel millions of dollars a year whether they earn it or not. They also award them huge "golden parachutes/termination pay" whether they are doing a very good job or not. Is it not downright sinful when one large oil company reaped $11.7 billion dollars profit in a recent three-month period? And our government awards them subsidies to boot! Why do you think that happens? Well, every time I look at the White House I have a pretty good idea why.
Ray Peck
Helena