Letters to the editor April 28

Slow it down

As I drive around the valley, I see a consistent disregard of the speed limit. Wherever I drive in Kalispell, on the highways, or on the stage roads, almost everyone exceeds the speed limit.

It seems that 90% of the drivers treat the posted limit as a minimum rather than a maximum. And as I'm driving the limit, other drivers become angry that I'm "in their way," and show their displeasure by honking, roaring past and cutting me off, or trying to sideswipe me, in a form of road rage.

Also, many drivers now ignore the stop signs. I don't really feel safe at four-way stops anymore.

I see this deliberate disregard of the rules of the road as a public safety problem, and I'm asking that law enforcement please make an effort to enforce the speed limit laws and bring safety back to our streets, highways and the valley once again.

— Sharol Birks, Kalispell

Sprunger a trusted advisor

I write this letter from the perspective of someone who has known Courtenay Sprunger since early childhood. 

Courtenay and I grew up together: We galloped ponies, splashed in the creek, binged on Rainbow Brite and celebrated our birthdays together. From the beginning, her leadership abilities were evident. I remember her orchestrating the playground fun, being sure to include everyone while simultaneously seeing to it that no one picked on me, her quiet, shy companion.

As young adults, our paths diverged, but we’ve remained close. I started a family and Courtenay pursued a career path. Later, we both started small businesses in Kalispell, each of us meeting the challenges of entrepreneurship and building our businesses. 

Today, Courtenay is still one of my primary, trusted advisors. In business and in life we have come to lean on one another for direct, honest, and constructive feedback, and I value that relationship as a rare and valuable gift. Even when our opinions and preferences differ – which, frankly, is not uncommon – I am met with love and respect. Courtenay takes that quality of open, respectful exchange into all other areas of her life, as well, including that of officeholder and community leader. Guided by her character and her faith, she holds individuals as intrinsically valuable and deserving of respect.

Because of these qualities – which I have seen lived out for years – I wholeheartedly endorse Courtenay Sprunger for the HD 7, Montana State House of Representatives.

— Melanie Francis, Kalispell

Forstag will work for Montana

I’m writing to support Sam Forstag for Montana. 

Sam is one of the most elite firefighters in the world, parachuting into dangerous wildfires, swinging a tool for 16 hours straight, sleeping in the dirt for four, then walking all the way to an extraction point with 110 pounds of gear on his back. Sam will work that hard for Montana. 

When firefighters get angry about issues, they make things happen. Sam is angry about Montanans having to work as hard as he does and still not being able to afford food, housing, or basic needs for their kids. Sam is going to make the ultra-rich faux-Yellowstone socialites who treat Montana like their pristine playground pay their share, and he will work 16 hours a day and sleep in the dirt to make it happen. Vote for Sam Forstag.

— Nicole Pepaj, Kalispell

Good men must stand up

Every day as part of my job as a mental health therapist I work with good men who are trying to do better for themselves and their family. Their stories truly impress me and fill me with hope: stories filled with commitment, sacrifice, love and so much more.

However, recent news of Eric Swalwell’s rape allegations and an online rape academy that drew 62 million visitors quickly left me disgusted and my hope deflated. I also have been shocked how little news coverage has existed on these stories outside of social media. Talking about the positive male role models in this country has become s Sisyphean task, especially when we refuse to hold powerful men accountable for their actions. The Epstein files are a heartbreaking example of this.

Rampant violence against women is not new: According to the CDC, 39% of women endure unwanted sexual contact. That number grows when harassment and coercion are added in. These numbers are astounding. However, when we talk about statistics, we focus on the victims and essentially leave men out of the discussion. 

So, it’s time to call on good men as allies to help prevent sexual violence. Let’s re-examine our attitudes toward women, stand up to other men who degrade and act violent toward women, and just as important, let’s teach our boys to do the same.

— Wakefield Troy, Columbia Falls

Sterling's technical expertise

I am proud to write this letter in support of Sheena Sterling for Flathead County Clerk and Recorder. I have worked side‑by‑side with Sheena for nearly six years and have seen firsthand her dedication to this county — its history, its records and its people.

Sheena has spent more than half of her life in the Clerk and Recorder’s offices and currently manages all four departments: the Recording Office, Plat Room, GIS, and Records Preservation. No one else in the county has her depth of knowledge or can so seamlessly transition into the Clerk and Recorder role. That is what is best for Flathead County.

Sheena understands Flathead County’s records — not only what they contain, but the stories and decisions behind them. When questions arise about historic properties or documents, she knows the background because she has done the work. She stays current on legislative changes to ensure we are operating within the Montana state statutes and works closely with other county departments to keep processes aligned. Sheena has the right experience, and that matters.

Sheena consistently asks whether decisions are a responsible use of taxpayer dollars. The Clerk and Recorder’s Office touches every resident, from vital records to property documents to the GIS maps people rely on daily. She currently oversees the teams that safeguard and present this information to the public.

Beyond her technical expertise, Sheena is an exceptional leader. She manages multiple departments with a calm, steady presence and ensures staff feel supported and informed. Her ability to coordinate budgets, people, and priorities is a major reason our office runs efficiently.

Sheena has the unmatched experience this county deserves, and she is what is best for Flathead County.

Please join me in supporting her as our next elected clerk and recorder.

— Tracy Gladden, Kalispell

Bukacek for PSC

Dr. Annie Bukacek has kept her 2022 promises to do her part to keep the lights on, keep Montana energy-independent and keep the public informed. I recommend her website with 30 short presentations on topics related to the PSC. Dr. Annie is looking out for us. Vote for Annie Bukacek for PSC.

— Julie Baldridge, Kalispell