Small town politics

The good thing about small towns is that it doesn't take long to meet people and discover what goes on behind the scenes.

After moving from another small town to Whitefish a year ago, it didn't surprise my wife and I how fast we could learn about local happenings, especially politics like the "doughnut rule." Now we are embroiled in a highly-charged election year, and it appears that anything goes to get elected.

We recently had a conversation with two young college men and one young woman from outside Montana who happened to be living in a house at the Flathead County Democratic Party headquarters. They have only been here for a short time and will return to their respective states/colleges after the election.

However, they admitted to being registered to vote here in Flathead County. These young adults help pass out political fliers for local Democrats. Others "work" at a local candidate's farm.

How many "carpetbaggers" have been brought into Whitefish and Flathead County? The question begs an answer.

We have listened closely to all candidates in our area and have a problem keeping up with Mike Jopek. In one article, he claims to have a degree in engineering and in another, he states he studied engineering. He claims to support businesses in the state and our area, yet the Chamber of Commerce rated him with a zero as a legislator. He claims to be for families, yet he voted against the bill for Jessica's Law.

We will vote for common sense candidates like John Fuller and Ryan Zinke to represent us in Helena rather than the author of the "doughnut rule" and those that bring outsiders into town to swing an election.

Daryl and Pat Russell

Whitefish