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In light of recent, exhaustive developments and bi-partisan efforts to morally cleanse our government leadership, the solution in moving forward is obvious:

We must exhume and breathe fresh air into the sacred lungs of Billy Graham and Mother Teresa. Arouse them from a well-deserved rest. Present them as independent running mates for 2020. Both have been fully vetted. They have no noted past perversions to impede their confirmation.

However, give the media time. Surely, they can and WILL dig up “something.” —Gary Vinson, Kalispell

It was president who indirectly helped this vet

My experience with Sen. Tester’s support for veterans is pretty negative.

Look at the past failures of the VA in Helena. Yes failure! Past director “relocated” rather than fired for a miserable leadership at the VA. A new PTSD wing that cannot operate due to poor staffing? OK, so on a personal level, I filed a claim with the VA in 2007 and was repeatedly denied, asked for more information, denied etc.! I only received form letters, if any response at all, from politicians!

Last September I was contacted by personnel directed by President Trump to look into my long claim process. Suddenly I had an evaluation in Spokane, a decision by December and follow-up calls to verify the progress. Why did I not get, as well as many other veterans, quicker service with the previous administration? Where were Obama and Tester then? Seems if we were entering this country illegally we would of had immediate support! Go figure.

So I say to all veterans seeking assistance, write to the president, state and local politicians and ask for help. Do not give up! This country has been ruined by most politicians so let’s try electing business people to save our country! Remember change is good! “Do the same, get the same” has not worked very well! —Ron Albrecht, Kalispell

Judge should reject plea deal for commissioner

Honorable District Court Judge Robert Olson, you have the right, and I feel duty, to reject the plea agreement the county and state are recommending for County Commissioner Phil Mitchell.

Being an elected official, being paid with tax dollars, Phil needs to be held to a higher standard. He knew killing the trees was wrong, and illegal, but did it anyway. Knowing that being a county commissioner, he felt he was OK to do it.

The cost to replace the trees has been estimated at $30,000 yet under the plea agreement, a misdemeanor, he will only pay a restitution of $16,000, and a six-month suspended sentence? The rest will be paid with tax dollars. Phil Mitchell needs to be charged with felony criminal mischief. A $30,000 theft is a felony. An apology is unacceptable.

Please reject this plea agreement and charge him as he should be, with a felony, and restitution of $30,000.

And to Phil Mitchell, you need to resign and forfeit any and all future benefits owed you from the county. You knew killing the trees was wrong, and it apparently has improved the value of your property.

You apologized and say you regret your actions. Doesn’t fly when you knew what you were doing was illegal and wrong. This is not your first run-in with the county over this site. —Cary Weyrauch, Kalispell

Scott for commissioner

I am writing to support Gerald “Jay” Scott for the Republican candidate for county commissioner.

I have known Jay for over 40 years. He is a person who has the utmost integrity and compassion. You will not meet a person who is more honest than Jay.

Jay has said he will be a full-time commissioner with an open door policy. I know he will keep his word. He will listen to what you have to say.

Jay has a good work ethic. He will work on a project until the job is complete.

Jay is also a very community minded person. He is knowledgeable about the Flathead County projects.

He is also not a stranger to working with a budget… He is a farmer, he has to work with a budget.

Let’s vote for Jay at the primary on June 5. Then again in November.

Let’s get Jay in as county commissioner! He will work for us. —Laurel Therrien, Olney

It’s RINOs for Garner

It is no surprise, the people who write letters in support of Gas Tax Garner. The short list reads like a who’s who of RINO Republicans and Democrats who support bloated government overreach and crony capitalism. They benefit financially and otherwise by their association with Garner, the master of pork-barrel back-room deals that benefit the well-connected and hurt the rest of us.

If Garner were an honest man, he would run as a socialist Democrat on a campaign platform of raising taxes and expanding government that matches his voting record. What I consider to be his lack of character does not seem to faze those who support him. I am hoping and praying most voters do care. The verdict is already in on Garner, based on layers of evidence available to the public. If he wins, it is an indictment on the electorate. Gas Tax Garner has an opponent who will vote as he campaigns. Vote For Bob Welzel in House District 7. —Annie Bukacek, Bigfork

Garner made right decision for Montana

We would like to speak in favor of re-electing Frank Garner for Montana’s HD 7.

We are aware that some people are concerned about his voting for the additional tax on gas in Montana.

While most of us don’t enjoy tax increases, we would like to give our view about the above-mentioned tax.

When Montanans choose to travel, many of us go to locations where there are taxes on such things as hotels, restaurants, clothing and gasoline.

Does that stop us from traveling? No! We just go, wince a bit at the very high tax prices, and then enjoy the many sights to be seen.

Yet when people come to Montana, they enjoy our numerous recreational and cultural offerings in both the summer and the winter. And ... it has been a “free ride” for them while they drive on our highways.

As we know, Montana is the fourth largest state geographically in the United States. Yet our population in this vast state is less than that in numerous large cities across our country. This means that there are fewer people to pay taxes for visitors as well as ourselves for highways!

The gas-tax hike was needed to pay for the maintenance of our infrastructure, and with this tax, all who use the highways will benefit.

No, we are not advocating a sales tax or the raising of other taxes! But we do thank Frank for choosing to have all who are privileged to drive on our highways share the cost in having safer and more comfortable traveling.

We encourage all who are in District 7 to re-elect Frank. —Cliff and Lynda Collins, Kalispell

Brian Heino is best candidate for sheriff

We are very fortunate in Flathead County to have four excellent candidates running for sheriff. I think any of them would do a good job, but I think there is one candidate who would be excellent.

That candidate is Brian Heino.

Brian is a multi-generational Montanan and is born and raised in the Flathead. He has very broad-based experience as a deputy and has earned the respect of his fellow deputies and the first responders he has worked with.

I think he would make an excellent sheriff and would continue to promote the values we expect in the Flathead. He has earned my vote and I would urge you to give him yours as well. —Ken Madsen, Kalispell

Support Paul Sullivan for justice of the peace

Come the June primary, voters will elect Flathead County’s next justice of the peace. Two persons have filed for the position, and I shall vote for attorney Paul Sullivan, whom I consider the best prepared and most experienced candidate.

Hopefully, my description of Paul will energize election day turnout, prompt undecided voters to participate, and confirm Sullivan’s preparation for a judgeship.

I have known his ancestry since before there was a Paul Sullivan. As expected, the Kalispell attorney of today has followed by example, the honorable, dedicated and trustworthy citizenship native to his family — whose members are known for hard work, due diligence, and not allowing a task to be sidelined.

Paul is a family man, and a person given to public service and the community’s well-being. He has served on the Bigfork School Board and shares his enthusiasm for athletics as a respected coach and tireless promoter of high school tennis.

In regard to Sullivan’s practice of law, as a general practitioner his legal experience is broadly based and suited to any legal matter that may come before him. Known for his fair and appropriate decision-making, Paul Sullivan has served in the absence of municipal judges in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell. Additionally, his experience as a fill-in judge as Flathead County justice of the peace substantiates his knowledge of the work load, as well as the pressures native to the position. In other words, he comes before the voter pre-trained and bench-ready. —Rand Robbin, Bigfork

Brodehl for commissioner

Randy Brodehl deserves your vote for county commissioner!

If you care about property and property values, your candidate for county commissioner is Randy Brodehl.

As longtime residents of Flathead County, we know that our commissioners have a huge impact on the everyday operations and management of our county. It may not always be obvious, but their decisions do matter. The Salish and Kootenai tribal water compact comes to mind!

We are encouraging everyone to get to know all four candidates’ platforms. Check out their websites, Facebook pages, track them down at events, and ask tough questions!

Randy Brodehl has the experience and understanding of the major issues in the Flathead. He already served our community for years as Kalispell’s fire chief, and as a legislator. We know that he cares about public safety, personal property and a conservative budget.

Please vote on Tuesday, June 5. —Caroline and Harry Solomon, Bigfork

Vote to stop Flathead water-bottling plant

There is a vote scheduled for June 5 to block the opening of a water-bottling plant along the Flathead River.

The State Department of Natural Resources and Convervation has granted a permit to the Montana Artesian Water Company owned by Lew Weaver.

Flathead County residents are encouraged to vote YES to the Egan Slough Initiative 17-01 to enable Montana to maintain our pure water that is sourced from Glacier National Park into Flathead Lake and block the bottling plant. —Len and Christina Stigliano, Bigfork

Time to call on the saints

In light of recent, exhaustive developments and bi-partisan efforts to morally cleanse our government leadership, the solution in moving forward is obvious:

We must exhume and breathe fresh air into the sacred lungs of Billy Graham and Mother Teresa. Arouse them from a well-deserved rest. Present them as independent running mates for 2020. Both have been fully vetted. They have no noted past perversions to impede their confirmation.

However, give the media time. Surely, they can and WILL dig up “something.” —Gary Vinson, Kalispell

It was president who indirectly helped this vet

My experience with Sen. Tester’s support for veterans is pretty negative.

Look at the past failures of the VA in Helena. Yes failure! Past director “relocated” rather than fired for a miserable leadership at the VA. A new PTSD wing that cannot operate due to poor staffing? OK, so on a personal level, I filed a claim with the VA in 2007 and was repeatedly denied, asked for more information, denied etc.! I only received form letters, if any response at all, from politicians!

Last September I was contacted by personnel directed by President Trump to look into my long claim process. Suddenly I had an evaluation in Spokane, a decision by December and follow-up calls to verify the progress. Why did I not get, as well as many other veterans, quicker service with the previous administration? Where were Obama and Tester then? Seems if we were entering this country illegally we would of had immediate support! Go figure.

So I say to all veterans seeking assistance, write to the president, state and local politicians and ask for help. Do not give up! This country has been ruined by most politicians so let’s try electing business people to save our country! Remember change is good! “Do the same, get the same” has not worked very well! —Ron Albrecht, Kalispell

Judge should reject plea deal for commissioner

Honorable District Court Judge Robert Olson, you have the right, and I feel duty, to reject the plea agreement the county and state are recommending for County Commissioner Phil Mitchell.

Being an elected official, being paid with tax dollars, Phil needs to be held to a higher standard. He knew killing the trees was wrong, and illegal, but did it anyway. Knowing that being a county commissioner, he felt he was OK to do it.

The cost to replace the trees has been estimated at $30,000 yet under the plea agreement, a misdemeanor, he will only pay a restitution of $16,000, and a six-month suspended sentence? The rest will be paid with tax dollars. Phil Mitchell needs to be charged with felony criminal mischief. A $30,000 theft is a felony. An apology is unacceptable.

Please reject this plea agreement and charge him as he should be, with a felony, and restitution of $30,000.

And to Phil Mitchell, you need to resign and forfeit any and all future benefits owed you from the county. You knew killing the trees was wrong, and it apparently has improved the value of your property.

You apologized and say you regret your actions. Doesn’t fly when you knew what you were doing was illegal and wrong. This is not your first run-in with the county over this site. —Cary Weyrauch, Kalispell

Scott for commissioner

I am writing to support Gerald “Jay” Scott for the Republican candidate for county commissioner.

I have known Jay for over 40 years. He is a person who has the utmost integrity and compassion. You will not meet a person who is more honest than Jay.

Jay has said he will be a full-time commissioner with an open door policy. I know he will keep his word. He will listen to what you have to say.

Jay has a good work ethic. He will work on a project until the job is complete.

Jay is also a very community minded person. He is knowledgeable about the Flathead County projects.

He is also not a stranger to working with a budget… He is a farmer, he has to work with a budget.

Let’s vote for Jay at the primary on June 5. Then again in November.

Let’s get Jay in as county commissioner! He will work for us. —Laurel Therrien, Olney

It’s RINOs for Garner

It is no surprise, the people who write letters in support of Gas Tax Garner. The short list reads like a who’s who of RINO Republicans and Democrats who support bloated government overreach and crony capitalism. They benefit financially and otherwise by their association with Garner, the master of pork-barrel back-room deals that benefit the well-connected and hurt the rest of us.

If Garner were an honest man, he would run as a socialist Democrat on a campaign platform of raising taxes and expanding government that matches his voting record. What I consider to be his lack of character does not seem to faze those who support him. I am hoping and praying most voters do care. The verdict is already in on Garner, based on layers of evidence available to the public. If he wins, it is an indictment on the electorate. Gas Tax Garner has an opponent who will vote as he campaigns. Vote For Bob Welzel in House District 7. —Annie Bukacek, Bigfork

Garner made right decision for Montana

We would like to speak in favor of re-electing Frank Garner for Montana’s HD 7.

We are aware that some people are concerned about his voting for the additional tax on gas in Montana.

While most of us don’t enjoy tax increases, we would like to give our view about the above-mentioned tax.

When Montanans choose to travel, many of us go to locations where there are taxes on such things as hotels, restaurants, clothing and gasoline.

Does that stop us from traveling? No! We just go, wince a bit at the very high tax prices, and then enjoy the many sights to be seen.

Yet when people come to Montana, they enjoy our numerous recreational and cultural offerings in both the summer and the winter. And ... it has been a “free ride” for them while they drive on our highways.

As we know, Montana is the fourth largest state geographically in the United States. Yet our population in this vast state is less than that in numerous large cities across our country. This means that there are fewer people to pay taxes for visitors as well as ourselves for highways!

The gas-tax hike was needed to pay for the maintenance of our infrastructure, and with this tax, all who use the highways will benefit.

No, we are not advocating a sales tax or the raising of other taxes! But we do thank Frank for choosing to have all who are privileged to drive on our highways share the cost in having safer and more comfortable traveling.

We encourage all who are in District 7 to re-elect Frank. —Cliff and Lynda Collins, Kalispell

Brian Heino is best candidate for sheriff

We are very fortunate in Flathead County to have four excellent candidates running for sheriff. I think any of them would do a good job, but I think there is one candidate who would be excellent.

That candidate is Brian Heino.

Brian is a multi-generational Montanan and is born and raised in the Flathead. He has very broad-based experience as a deputy and has earned the respect of his fellow deputies and the first responders he has worked with.

I think he would make an excellent sheriff and would continue to promote the values we expect in the Flathead. He has earned my vote and I would urge you to give him yours as well. —Ken Madsen, Kalispell

Support Paul Sullivan for justice of the peace

Come the June primary, voters will elect Flathead County’s next justice of the peace. Two persons have filed for the position, and I shall vote for attorney Paul Sullivan, whom I consider the best prepared and most experienced candidate.

Hopefully, my description of Paul will energize election day turnout, prompt undecided voters to participate, and confirm Sullivan’s preparation for a judgeship.

I have known his ancestry since before there was a Paul Sullivan. As expected, the Kalispell attorney of today has followed by example, the honorable, dedicated and trustworthy citizenship native to his family — whose members are known for hard work, due diligence, and not allowing a task to be sidelined.

Paul is a family man, and a person given to public service and the community’s well-being. He has served on the Bigfork School Board and shares his enthusiasm for athletics as a respected coach and tireless promoter of high school tennis.

In regard to Sullivan’s practice of law, as a general practitioner his legal experience is broadly based and suited to any legal matter that may come before him. Known for his fair and appropriate decision-making, Paul Sullivan has served in the absence of municipal judges in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell. Additionally, his experience as a fill-in judge as Flathead County justice of the peace substantiates his knowledge of the work load, as well as the pressures native to the position. In other words, he comes before the voter pre-trained and bench-ready. —Rand Robbin, Bigfork

Brodehl for commissioner

Randy Brodehl deserves your vote for county commissioner!

If you care about property and property values, your candidate for county commissioner is Randy Brodehl.

As longtime residents of Flathead County, we know that our commissioners have a huge impact on the everyday operations and management of our county. It may not always be obvious, but their decisions do matter. The Salish and Kootenai tribal water compact comes to mind!

We are encouraging everyone to get to know all four candidates’ platforms. Check out their websites, Facebook pages, track them down at events, and ask tough questions!

Randy Brodehl has the experience and understanding of the major issues in the Flathead. He already served our community for years as Kalispell’s fire chief, and as a legislator. We know that he cares about public safety, personal property and a conservative budget.

Please vote on Tuesday, June 5. —Caroline and Harry Solomon, Bigfork

Vote to stop Flathead water-bottling plant

There is a vote scheduled for June 5 to block the opening of a water-bottling plant along the Flathead River.

The State Department of Natural Resources and Convervation has granted a permit to the Montana Artesian Water Company owned by Lew Weaver.

Flathead County residents are encouraged to vote YES to the Egan Slough Initiative 17-01 to enable Montana to maintain our pure water that is sourced from Glacier National Park into Flathead Lake and block the bottling plant. —Len and Christina Stigliano, Bigfork