We were delighted to see a united front of Montana’s political leadership taking a stand against President Obama’s veto of the Keystone XL pipeline project.

It was not unexpected that Republicans would criticize the president’s veto. Rep. Ryan Zinke said Obama “chose Middle Eastern oil and coastal special interests over Montana jobs and North American energy independence. Sen. Steve Daines said, “President Obama is standing firmly against thousands of good-paying American jobs and domestic energy independence.”

But Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and Gov. Steve Bullock also made it clear they were standing with Montana against the president’s support for a left-wing agenda.

Tester said he was “disappointed that the president vetoed this bipartisan legislation” and added that, “Keystone will help secure our energy future and create good paying jobs.”

Gov. Bullock framed the veto as a rebuff of Congress for trying to take the decision out of the president’s hands, but he said “the time for political statements is over.” The governor did not note that Obama’s own State Department has approved the project repeatedly since 2009.

It appears that President Obama is trying to run out the clock on the pipeline in the hopes that Canada will give up its plans to send the oil to refineries in Texas and Louisiana. The rest of us are hoping that the clock will run out on Obama’s second term, and the next president will get a chance to approve the pipeline as one of his or her first official acts.

Polson plan comes to fruition

Polson’s economy is getting a major shot in the arm with the development of Ridgewater Properties, a 313-acre commercial     and residential development off U.S. 93.

Construction already is well underway on a new Red Lion Hotel, an attached MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill and Pub, and a new Valley Glass relation outlet, all on track to open in early summer. Several other retail businesses are in the works.

Medical facilities figure into the new development as well. Kalispell Regional Medical Center just opened a clinic at Ridgewater Properties, and St. Luke Community Hospital also plans to build a clinic at Ridgewater. Physical therapy or dental offices may be included as time goes on.

Property owner Mike Maddy envisioned this kind of cohesive mixed-use village when he bought the property in 1999, and it’s wonderful to see it taking shape.