Letters to the editor Oct. 24
Protecting our youth
I just wanted to applaud the police force for their enforcement on the nationwide issue of drivers and school buses. On U.S. 93 between Whitefish and Kalispell, I was on my commute to work Friday morning, “stuck” behind the bus.” Everyone’s moan.
However, people who weren’t stopping — BAM — they had an officer on them. When I finally did pass the bus I saw the few cars behind the bus were unmarked police cars.
I applaud their effort to enforce the driving law and their strategy. Protecting our youth. Thank you.
— Danielle Peirce, Columbia Falls
State crime lab
Unfortunately, a recent letter to the Daily Inter Lake from Dean Barten (Oct. 20) about the tragic loss of two relatives contained an error.
I am deeply sorry for the family’s loss. Losing loved ones is always painful, but even more so when their lives are taken in a suspected DUI situation.
It appears someone gave Mr. Barten false information. The DUI suspect’s blood sample was tested by the state crime lab and the results were returned in just over 30 days (not the 90 days he claimed). The actual time was far less than the national average turnaround time of 60-70 days.
Montana’s crime lab is an integral part of our criminal justice system. The lab worked this case with thoroughness and professionalism and did so in an appropriately timely manner.
—John Barnes, Attorney General’s Office
Pro-life candidate
There are two Republicans in the primary for attorney general, but there’s only one pro-life option. Anyone who wants a fierce advocate with real pro-life credentials should support Jon Bennion.
With Jon’s support, his wife co-founded and ran Helena’s first pro-life pregnancy clinic offering ultrasounds for pregnant mothers. We know more women choose life when they see and hear their baby’s heartbeat.
In stark contrast, when Jon’s opponent Austin Knudsen was in the Legislature, he joined liberal Democrats to kill a bill requiring an ultrasound before an abortion. What’s more, Knudsen never introduced a pro-life bill.
The fact is, Austin Knudsen has shown that he isn’t a reliable supporter of pro-life causes
In his personal life and professional roles, Jon Bennion is a voice for the most vulnerable. As chief deputy to Montana’s attorney general, Bennion defended pro-life laws in court. He has pledged to fight back against liberal attempts to regulate pro-life pregnancy clinics out of existence like other states have tried to do.
Since 2013, Montana has been blessed with an Attorney General who protects life. Let’s elect Jon Bennion so we continue to have a fierce pro-life advocate as Attorney General.
—Moe and Lola Wosepka, Helena
Border crossings
In response to Mr. Hagar’s letter regarding the “unwelcoming demeanor” of the U.S. border officer at Roosville. I believe up to 70 northern border crossing officers from Montana and Idaho have been temporarily transferred to the southern border. This has created an increased workload on the remaining officers as they may be called upon to work 12 hour shifts. Your “unwelcoming” officer may have been approaching the end of a 12 hour shift, could see by his computer records that you were not a terrorist, and just wanted to get rid of you so he could get to the next vehicle in line.
I usually cross at Piegan or Chief Mountain with no problems over the years which is unusual considering I purchased a vehicle in Canada and imported it into the U.S, I have brought beer, wine, and rum across the border, and have carried a shotgun across multiple times. However, I did encounter one Canadian officer at the Port of Carway who was not happy with said shotgun; live and learn.
I’ve had usually staid officers joke around with me on both sides of the border. Crossing at Sidney, B.C., an M16 armed officer allowed 2 1/2 cases of wine to enter duty free that was purchased in San Juan and headed for Montana as long as I “didn’t party and consume it all with Canadian friends.”
At Blaine coming out of the vehicle search impound lot an officer toting an M16 ran up to the vehicle and shouted at the officer inside the guardhouse not to let me out as I was a UM Grizzly supporter. This past February while entering at Piegan after driving to Calgary to purchase a parka that day the grizzled officer told me he was “yanking my man card.”
These officers are only human and like us, can have a bad day for whatever reason.
—Norm Johnson, Polson
Vote for Kuntz
City Council elections are important. The City Council has direct taxing authority through property taxes and can change your family’s budget with a single vote. These local leaders are where the rubber meets the road in government. Ensuring we elect City Council members that put the time and effort into every decision they make is essential for our community and your way of life. Rod Kuntz has the skills to make Kalispell the most successful community it can be all the while protecting your bank account. Many of Kalispell’s greatest achievements have had Rod Kuntz’ unwavering support.
He has also offered creative solutions to address blight and transportation connectivity all while increasing tax base so that your taxes don’t have to increase. Rod’s support of advancements in Law Enforcement through leads online and our K9 officer yields a safer, stronger community. Private-public projects like the dog park display his aptitude in partnering with community organizations to ensure taxpayers don’t shoulder the full burden of key livability initiatives.
Rod Kuntz worked with Flathead High School and its neighbors to develop working solutions to the 40-year-old parking problem. He completed these tasks while streamlining city process and maintaining transparency.
Rod Kuntz has always put Kalispell first through creative funding solutions that ensure we tax below our mill levy allowance keeping your hard-earned money in your pockets. The election of Rod Kuntz is essential for the continued success of Kalispell.
Common sense Montana values built this great city and continue with Rod’s leadership. Keep Portland, Oregon ideology out of our local government; a vote for Rod Kuntz is a vote for Kalispell. I would ask for your support and vote for Rod Kuntz for Kalispell City Council.
—Phil Guiffrida, Kalispell