Letters to the editor Feb. 17

Don’t miss this performance

WOW! That word kept repeating itself in my head after experiencing the latest Broadway production from Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish last night. 

“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” is a one-actor biographical, historical musical backed by a great jazz trio in a stunning intimate set that portrays one of the last performances of the jazz icon Billie Holiday, in this case incredibly played by Broadway star Angela Wildflower. 

This is a huge gift to the entire valley. Tickets are still available for this weekend and next weekend performances. Don’t miss it.

— Neil Lovering, Whitefish

GOP priorities

Republicans gathered in Great Falls to kick off the 2026 campaign cycle. What  do you think the top priorities are for the 2026 legislative cycle?

The big concern was how to politicize the courts. Republicans continue to be frustrated by the fact that they cannot pass legislation that takes away our constitutional rights. Even though Montanans have indicated they do not want this and even have a citizens initiative to keep the courts non partisan, they want their corporate sponsors to be able to buy judges. This is the big priority for the coming year.

Missing from the party’s priorities is how to help the thousands of Montanans who cannot afford health care. How to help family farmers and ranchers who are going bankrupt and suffering higher suicide rates thanks to the Trump tariffs. How to help our veterans who are losing services with the massive Trump cuts to the VA. How to help Montanans with affordability. How to stop ICE from taking Montana residence from their homes who have been part of their communities for years and are not criminals. 

I could go on. 

There is a policy vacuum in the party. They do not seem interested in helping hardworking Montanans.

— Steve Martinez, Kalispell