Letters to the editor Oct. 23

Too little, too late

In response to Verdell Jackson’s Oct. 11 letter supporting Pam Holmquist, I need to take exception to two of his over statements regarding Holmquist.

First, honesty: Looking at the Evergreen children’s safe sidewalk issue, Holmquist expressed tepid support publicly, while behind the scenes she needlessly complicated and hampered the process. In addition, she covertly supported a bicycle path competing for the same grant funds as the children’s safe sidewalks in Evergreen. A bike path over getting kids to school safely?

Second, public safety: No doubt responding to election pressure, Holmquist voted for a recent (and much overdue) 15% increase in the sheriff's budget this year, but how did we get into this hole? Where has she stood on the sheriff’s budget the past decade? At each preceding budget was it hold the line, hold the line, hold the line? And now the sheriff’s office, even with the new budget, is still down 7 patrol deputies. Wow.

For a commissioner who has had two full terms (12 years) to shore up public safety, Holmquist’s actions strike me as too little, too late. On Nov. 8, I am going to write in Jack Fallon.

— Peter Saunders, Kalispell

Holmquist gets the job done

Vote Pam Holmquist, Republican for county commissioner.

As a Montana professional engineer with almost 40 years of experience, I want to thank Pam for her leadership in making it possible for Flathead County to get a state of the art septic tank/porta-potty pumping treatment facility. As a result of Pam’s leadership, the treatment facility is fully funded, the consultant has been retained and in the next few years it will be completed. This will protect our environment and will allow local businesses that pump septic tanks and porta-potties with an environmentally friendly facility to dispose of the waste.

This is a tremendous accomplishment for Flathead County and the environment. This never would have happened without Pam’s leadership as commissioner and on the Board of Health. Pam has worked on this important project for many years. Please join me in voting for our outstanding Republican Pam Holmquist for county commissioner on Nov. 8.

—Jeff H. Larsen, Lakeside

Fallon is a needed change

Are you tired of the Flathead County Commissioners repeatedly attempting to thwart the will of the voters? Treating the county Health Department and library like their personal enemies, instead of public services? Refusing to fully fund the Sheriff’s Office but happily spending your tax dollars to defend the county against endless lawsuits brought on by their own actions?

So are lots of other people. Pam Holmquist won her primary against Republican challenger Jack Fallon by just 40 votes. It’s time to show the commissioners what we think about them disrespecting the voters and wasting our money.

Write in “Jack Fallon” for county commissioner, and fill in the bubble next to his name. (Spelling counts!) Jack’s priorities are law enforcement funding, infrastructure improvement and responsible government that will stop the lawsuits. Ballots are here—make your voice heard!

— Alice Biel, Columbia Falls

Experience matters

During these challenging times Flathead County needs the experienced leadership Pam Holmquist has to offer. Please join me in voting to keep Pam’s conservative values in Flathead County during this general election.

Pam’s fiscal responsibility, sometimes against very vocal opposition, has been important to keep county spending in control. Pam has kept her word in protecting the property rights of land owners in Flathead County. She has also worked hard to keep the county functioning during the Covid pandemic by ensuring businesses could stay open and the fair going. This was also huge for the 4-H and FFA programs in Flathead County during the fair.

Pam is also a big supporter of law enforcement by supporting the budget increases needed to add more staff. This is huge during this time of unprecedented growth in the Flathead Valley.

Let's vote to continue to keep Pams consistent leadership in Flathead County,

—Tom Anderson, Kalispell