Letters to the editor April 21

No parking zones

I just received my first parking ticket in my entire driving history. 

I parked on a city street by Flathead High School. All of their parking lots were full. I did see a sign at the end of a street, over 1/2 block ahead of where I parked, that said permit parking only. I truly believed it was just for that space, as the sign did not say it was for the entire street.  

I was careful not to block the driveway of a resident home owner. I was only at the school for about one hour. 

When I returned to my vehicle, I had a $10 ticket. I will pay this ticket. However, I would like to see signs that more accurately portray the intent. 

I can certainly understand how difficult it is for homeowners in a busy area, as my single-family neighborhood is now surrounded by hundreds of apartments. These permitted streets are not just for the residents though, and that does not seem right. 

As a Kalispell taxpayer, I am already supporting public schools and streets. It seems a bit like double dipping to charge and fine people for parking on public streets, unless no parking is allowed there for anyone. I paid thousands of my own dollars to create off-street parking for my own vehicles and would expect that all of these new apartments should provide adequate parking. 

Our city streets are becoming huge parking areas to the point where two-way streets absolutely cannot pass two cars. This is not safe for emergency vehicles either. 

I would ask our public officials to carefully reconsider reducing the amount of off street parking required for homes and businesses. I sympathize with the Flathead High School, but this traffic problem is everywhere.

— Marilyn Driscoll, Kalispell

Capable leader

If you don’t think a woman is capable of heading our Sheriff’s Office, you have not met Evelyn Cahalen. 

Evelyn is running for sheriff in the June 2 primary. With a master’s in police executive leadership from Johns Hopkins University, a bachelor’s in administration of justice and 25 years serving in law enforcement leadership roles, she is more than well-equipped to serve Flathead County. She led multiple commands, and post retirement, taught law enforcement leadership across not only the country, but also across the world.

To name but a few of Evelyn’s accomplishments: She served as a consultant and trainer with the U.S. Department of State Anti-Terrorism Assistance, a subject matter expert on community policing with the U.S. Department of Justice, a consultant for the National Sheriff’s Association in Alexandria, Va., the district commander for the Field Services Bureau of the Department of Police in Montgomery County, Maryland, and a consultant with the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Evelyn’s compassion is not only for law enforcement, but also for the morale and well-being of the officers who perform these duties; including career advancement opportunities.

Evelyn and her husband first came to Montana in 2002 on vacation, riding their Harley Davidson motorcycles, and have since made Montana their home.

What a great opportunity we have here in Flathead County to benefit our community by electing such a highly educated, experienced and motivated candidate for Sheriff.

— Robb Collier, Marion

Inspired by Forstag

When I heard Sam Forstag, a candidate for Montana’s western congressional district, speak for the first time, I quickly sensed he was the leader Montana needs. Because from the moment Sam walked on stage in Missoula, the energy shifted. Sam described so articulately how rich politicians were trying to make working people everywhere feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Sam’s words resonated deeply.

Sam reminded us, “We’re not scared, or hopeless, we’re mad! And we’re ready to get to work doing something about it.” Thousands of young people were on their feet, stamping and hollering like I can’t remember seeing at any political event in recent memory.

I took a friend to hear Sam speak recently. She left quite impressed. My friend says it best: he reminded her of JFK. I agree wholeheartedly. Here is the list of adjectives that I complied to describe Sam: energetic, passionate, compassionate, empathetic and a sincere lover of Montana.

He was a smokejumper, a union leader and has the support of 32 Montana legislators, including four Republicans. He is the only one who has lived very recently as a working-class Montanan.

For those of us who want a Democrat to win in Montana this November, we can’t try the same kind of candidates who keep losing again and again. We need someone who brings genuine energy, real experience and big ideas — and that person is Sam Forstag.

— Mark Heyka, Missoula

Wildfire risks

I am writing to share my support for Brian Cole and David Ordway for Whitefish Fire Service Area trustees.

There is a gap in fire services for the wildland urban interface area west of Whitefish. With increasingly dry conditions we are experiencing fire risk correspondingly increase putting many households at risk.  

Brian and David will provide much needed representation for homeowners west of Whitefish.

— Leslie Hunt, Whitefish