Letters to the editor Nov. 9

Teachers conferences

I was totally disgusted after watching Matt Regier’s interview on local news. Mr. Regier stated he was going to introduce a bill that would prohibit teachers from getting renewal credits for attending the annual MEA teachers conference.  

Any chance Mr. Regier and his fellow Republicans have to undercut education, they jump on full bore.  They do not want to have an educated population because if people are taught to think critically, they will not follow the narrow and the right-wing doctrine of the Republican Party. 

It is obvious that Mr. Regier is clueless as to what actually occurs at the annual meeting for Montana educators. I taught in public education for 48 years and I have attended at least 50 conventions, workshops and in-services. At every one I attended I came away with some new practice or idea I could incorporate into my classroom or curriculum that I felt would make me a better teacher.

Mr. Regier had my late wife, Karen Longhart, as a math teacher at Flathead High School, and from the feedback I have gathered, he thought she was an excellent teacher and respected her. Did Mr. Regier think she became an outstanding teacher by sitting at home and watching FOX News and Newsmax? No, she worked hard, attended conferences (many of which were MEA conferences) and collaborated with her peers to achieve the success that she had. Not only was she respected locally, but also statewide, and nationally. 

But Mr. Regier heard second hand information about one section presented at the annual conference he did not agree with and decided he would try to undermine the conference by whatever means he could.  

I challenge Mr. Regier to go to an MEA conference for the entire three days, experience a cross-section of presentations, and find out what is really being conveyed at the annual conference. Then maybe he can make intelligent and well thought out comments and decisions.

— Fred Longhart, Kalispell

Who is to blame?

The requirement for Congress to fund the government was October 1. The Republican majority failed to do so, either because of incompetence or in a deliberate effort to induce a shutdown, whichever you choose to believe. 

At the same time, the Democrats chose to refuse to fund the government in the naive hope that they could force the Republicans to abandon their efforts to destroy Obamacare. 

While we are daily provided with the finger pointing by these politicians, the facts are that our multi-millionaire congressional representatives on both sides of the aisle refuse to consider the needs of the millions of honest hardworking Americans faced with loss of income while they continue drawing their salary and getting government funded health insurance. 

So we ask — who is to blame, Democrats or Republicans? The answer is, we as the voters who elected them are responsible. 

I encourage you in the next election to vote for honest, working class representatives and quit supporting the greedy, incompetent millionaires. As Montanan’s we should know better.

— Roger Brewer, Kalispell

GIST of good governance

I’m deeply honored and humbled by the 1,257 Whitefish residents who placed their trust in me once again. Thank you for believing in my vision and for caring so deeply about the future of our community.

Congratulations to Ben Davis and Andy Feury on their well-deserved reelection, and to Nathan Dugan for running a thoughtful and passionate campaign. Whitefish is stronger when good people step forward to serve.

As I begin my second and final term on the Whitefish City Council, my focus remains on what I’ve called the GIST of good governance:

- Growth policy that reflects our community values.

- Infrastructure that supports a sustainable future.

- Streamlining red tape to make it easier for residents, businesses, and developers  to thrive.

- Transparency in every decision we make on behalf of the people we serve.

I look forward to the next four years of collaboration with my colleagues and the city’s staff, listening, and action. Together, let’s continue shaping a Whitefish that works for everyone and continues to thrive!

— Giuseppe GMan Caltabiano, Whitefish city councilor

From classroom to career

We are fortunate to live, work and raise our families in a community where our schools are preparing students for life beyond graduation — equipping them with the skills, confidence and real-world experiences they need to thrive.

Since 2023, School District 5 – Kalispell Public Schools has been a shining example of what happens when business and education work hand in hand to create meaningful, work-based learning opportunities. From elementary through high school, students are exploring careers through age-appropriate, hands-on experiences that open their eyes to possibilities right here in the Flathead Valley and beyond.

Whether it’s agriculture, hospitality, advanced manufacturing or the many fields in between, these programs help students connect classroom learning to career paths. They’re discovering not just how to earn a living — but how to build a life of purpose and contribution.

In today’s fast-changing world, financial literacy, effective communication and an understanding of how businesses operate are no longer optional — they’re essential. Whether a student pursues a trade, starts a business, or earns a professional degree, understanding personal finance and basic business principles will set them up for lifelong success.

At the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to partner with our schools to provide internships, job shadows, and other work-based learning opportunities that bring education and industry together. We speak business; our schools speak education and preparation — and together, we’re building the bridge that helps students move confidently from the classroom to their careers. It’s a great thing for our students, our employers and the future of our valley.

— Lorraine Clarno, CEO Kalispell Chamber of Commerce