Letters to the editor April 14

Dirty politics

Politics is dirty business. Look no further than Congressman Ryan Zinke’s recent letter (Olszewski isn’t telling the truth, April 11). I felt sick to my stomach, as his example of just how dirty it can be. While I could go through his letter point by point, I’d rather explain why I’m voting for and supporting Dr. Al Olszewski.

But I will give one example why Zinke’s letter was wrong. I honor and respect all military service and have a deep respect for all veterans. It makes no difference what they did, because it takes every single one to make our military the pride of America and the strongest in the world. And every job is important, it takes every member to make a team, from the cook who feeds the soldier, to the doctor that patches him up. I would think a member of the SEAL teams would have appreciated that better than most.

I have known Dr. Al for many years. He is a man of the utmost moral character and integrity. I know he will look out for us in Montana, when he is casting votes in D.C., because I have seen it. I have served with Dr. Al in the Montana Legislature. I know he is  a hard worker, tenacious in defending the Constitution and supporting constituents. I know that he will do what is best for Montana, not what the easy or popular thing is in the swamp. I know that Dr. Al  has had to make hard decisions and vote for or against something and defend those votes, that’s true legislative experience. I know Dr. Al will do a job I will be proud of in D.C. 

And that’s why I’m voting for Dr. Al for Congress and not against another candidate.

— Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila

Committee endorsements

For those of you not keeping up with the Flathead Republican Central Committee drama, here’s the quick and dirty rundown.

In March, about 70 fed-up locals filed to join the committee starting in June. The old guard cronies, who’ve been running the show for years, saw the writing on the wall and panicked like roaches when the light comes on.

Chairman Dr. Al Olszewski, whose primary against Aaron Flint isn’t going so hot, decided that a committee endorsement was his last lifeline before being kicked out. In my opinion, Dr. Al raided the treasury to buy the votes he needed for an endorsement. Seems like almost everybody on the committee got a piece of the pie to make it happen.

First, the committee voted to endorse Dr. Al.  Then, at a sneaky “special” meeting later, raided the entire treasury — mostly to themselves. So much for being fiscal conservatives. They blew the whole annual budget in one afternoon on their own campaigns.

The public might’ve never noticed if they hadn’t had to cut in Evelyn Cahalen for her vote. To get it, they endorsed and funded her long-shot run for sheriff against local kid Brian Heino — the guy whose hard work has made him more popular than pickup trucks and golden retrievers.

A 66-year-old woman from Maryland whose last real law enforcement experience was over 20 years ago? That one raised a few eyebrows. It also got the public mad. And it made every other endorsement made by this committee stink like the kiss of death.  

“Endorsed by the FCRCC” now means, “I took a payout to endorse Dr. Al.”

— Steven Williams, Kalispell

Hohman a leader

It is my pleasure to recommend Cheryl Hohman for the position of clerk and recorder. Having managed the Geographic Information Systems Department, I had the privilege of working closely with Cheryl when she joined our team. She immediately distinguished herself by bringing an unrivaled level of expertise and extensive knowledge regarding plat room functionality, a critical asset for the modernization of our records systems.

During her tenure, Cheryl demonstrated more than just technical skill and a meticulous attention to detail; she showed a deep understanding of how property records, land data and mapping systems intersect to serve the public. Her ability to translate complex plat room processes into efficient digital workflows within the GIS environment significantly improved our department’s accuracy and transparency.

Cheryl’s work ethic is contagious as she leads by example, mentoring others through technical transitions and fostering a team environment centered on shared excellence. 

Cheryl’s unique blend of old-school foundational knowledge and forward-thinking technological aptitude makes her the ideal candidate. She understands the statutory requirements of the office and possesses the practical, hands-on experience necessary to lead the Clerk and Recorder’s Office into a more efficient future. Her dedication to excellence and her collaborative spirit makes her a standout choice for this leadership role.

— Tom Reynolds Bigfork

Fire service area election

The Whitefish Fire Service Area is entering a new chapter in its history as it attempts to become a fire district. We have a unique opportunity to revitalize our leadership in this election. To ensure a proactive and safe future for all residents, I would like to recommend Brian Cole and David Ordway be elected to the board seats up for election.

Brian Cole brings a combination of local business leadership and hands-on emergency experience. As a former volunteer firefighter and EMT with over 20 years in Whitefish, Brian understands the technical needs of our first responders and the strategic requirements of our community.

David Ordway offers a distinguished career in executive management, defined by fiscal accountability and transparency. His commitment to addressing high-risk areas on the west side and establishing open communication forums will ensure every resident feels heard and protected.

Together I believe these are two candidates can rally community support to modernize our service area to become a fire district. Their expertise in strategic planning and engagement is what we need to move forward with confidence. I urge the constituents of the Whitefish Fire Service Area to elect these two candidates.

— John VanDenburgh, Columbia Falls

Sterling will serve effectively

I am proud to endorse Sheena Sterling as Flathead County clerk and recorder.

I have known Sheena as a friend for many years and have had the opportunity to work with her frequently over the past 15 years. Throughout this time, I have witnessed her deep passion for her role in the community, as well as her extensive knowledge of the many complexities involved in property-related matters. She understands how important effective communication is between state and local offices, and consistently demonstrates this in her work.

One of the qualities I respect most about Sheena is her openness and willingness to discuss ideas. She is someone I would never hesitate to reach out to with questions. She approaches situations thoughtfully and remains focused on resolving issues in an appropriate and effective manner.

Sheena brings a strong commitment to the community. Her professional demeanor is complemented by her belief that public service is fundamentally about helping people, which she does with the utmost accuracy, respect and care.

I am confident that Sheena brings the experience, work ethic, and judgment needed to serve Flathead County effectively. I am pleased to offer my full support for Sheena Sterling and strongly encourage others to do the same.

— Amanda Farnsworth, Kila