RE: Milhous Group not bad

We will not attempt to debate the particulars of the Swan Lakers lawsuit in this letter; this is not the forum for that. All the information is a matter of public record and is available on their Web site at www.swanlakers.org. However, we can not sit quietly while inaccuracies are printed like those in Virginia Reed's Feb. 21, letter to the editor titled "Milhous Group not bad".

First, the Swan Lakers are not suing the Milhous Group, they are suing Lake County over sub-division law, and the Courts chose to include the Milhous Group in this action. The Swan Lakers were never suing to "stop the development."

Second, as far as "appreciating what has already been done as a good will gesture by the Milhous Group in paving a road ," the Lake County Commissioners required the Milhous Group to widen and repave the road due to the increased traffic the development would bring and the damage caused by the installation of their sewage transportation lines to an offsite facility.

Third, that offsite sewage facility is not available "to anyone who builds in the area or wished to connect into it." The sewage treatment facility was designed with a potential 10 percent additional capacity, and is available only through petition to the Lake County Commissioners.

Fourth, the gesture from the Milhous Group "creating a safe and strong bridge across Swan River" is also incorrect. The bridge replacement was paid for with Federal and State tax funds, and the project had been scheduled for years.

With members in 15 states, most of the 250 Swan Lakers live in proximity to the Kootenai Condo Development. Few doubted the ability of Mr. Milhous to deliver a quality development; we take him at his word when he said he would "build high quality homes for high quality people".

This case has been in the hands of Montana Courts for 34 months. The Milhous Group was aware of the risks involved in proceeding with some infrastructure without final approval or a court settlement. Had the Milhous Group not challenged the Swan Lakers "standing" to bring suit, a tactic he had to know would delay the decision, the case may have been decided on its merits long ago.

Keith and Sue Laverty

Jerry d'Aquin

Members, Swan Lakers

Bigfork High School "Mail In" Bond Issue

Bigfork School officials are again trying to pass their $11,100,00 High School Bond using a "mail in" vote system. It is much easier to pass a "mail in" bond issue as there is no designated percentage as is in poll elections. If the vote is 49 against and 50 for, it passes. If only one person were to vote, and vote yes, the bond would pass. The reason this can happen is because of a state law loophole which allows the "mail in" ballot to slide through with only a majority vote as opposed to the poll vote where a minimum of 30% of the registered voters are required to vote to make it official. (Otherwise, the bond automatically fails and would have to be put up again at a later date. Call the Flathead Election Dept. at 758-5535).

This bond did not pass in October, so the school officials are trying it again this March when a large number of residents are gone (living elsewhere in warmer weather). This can affect the numbers even more and can fail to give a true majority opinion.

The $5.5 Million Dollar Elementary School bond passed in October and taxes went up. If this $11,100,000 bond passes, it will again increase everyone's property taxes along with even more increases because of the multiples created by this bond issue.

March 4 is the deadline to vote NO to this $11,100,000 "mail in" vote and to this type of election process.

Dean Wrbelis

Thanks to a vet

I just wanted to express my deep appreciation for our new veterinarian, Dr. Sandy Anderson and her caring husband, Colin. We got to experience their gentle kindness and loving care as our 13 year old Golden Retriever took a turn for the worse and needed immediate care. Dr. Sandy came to our home as our dog was unable to travel. We were so impressed by her knowledge and gentle demeaner and care. She ultimately had to return one week later as our beloved dog took another turn for the worse and had to be put to sleep.

I was so grateful for Dr. Sandy and her husband Colin. They took time out of their very busy schedule to help us say goodbye to our dog in the comfort of our home. I just thought it would be good for the people of Lakeside to know what a wonderful asset we have in our new veterinarian, Dr. Sandy Anderson of Great Northern Veterinary Center.

Thank you,

Jennifer Drew