Letters to the editor May 10

Heino supports his staff

I have worked at the Flathead County Detention Center for 25 years and have served as the detention commander for the past 11 years. During that time, I have learned that one of the most important responsibilities of leadership is making sure the people under your command have the tools, training and support they need to come home safely to their families at the end of every shift.

Working inside a detention facility is unpredictable by nature. Our detention officers walk into difficult and sometimes dangerous situations every single day. One of the greatest fears I carry as a commander is receiving the phone call that one of my officers has been seriously injured in the line of duty. That fear never goes away, and it is something every law enforcement leader carries quietly.

Because of that, leadership matters. Support matters. Preparation matters.

Sheriff Brian Heino understands that better than anyone I have worked with in my career. He has consistently made sure our staff have the equipment, training, staffing support, and resources necessary to do our jobs as safely and professionally as possible. He listens to his people, stands behind his employees and understands that investing in public safety means investing in the men and women who serve this community every day.

In my 25 years at the detention center, I have seen firsthand the impact leadership can have on morale, safety and the overall success of an agency. I can honestly say that Sheriff Heino’s support for detention staff and law enforcement personnel has made a difference. Not only for our employees, but also for their families and for the community we serve.

As ballots begin arriving next week, I encourage the citizens of Flathead County to support Brian Heino for Sheriff. I trust his leadership, I respect the way he supports his staff, and I believe he is the right person to continue leading our county forward.

— Jennifer Root, Kalispell

Olszewski offers experience

Let’s elect the only candidate in the western congressional district with legislative experience.  He has extensive knowledge of the issues affecting his fellow Montanans, including the water compact, housing, natural resources and he has the techniques and solutions to solve these issues and problems.  

He’s a family man with integrity and faith.  Let’s elect Dr. Al Olszewski.

— Reed Darrow, Kalispell

Running for committeeman

The June Republican primary is fast approaching. Recently there has been a dramatic resurgence of interest in supporting the Flathead County Republican Party, with many people stepping up to serve on the local central committee. Committee members will be selected in the June Primaries. 

I am Joseph O’Rourke and I am a candidate for the committeeman seat for Precinct 18. I have had the pleasure of serving in that position since 2021.

First, I want to thank the current members of the central committee who have worked hard to win so many important victories over the past few years. I am proud to serve with these dedicated individuals.

Second, it will be a pleasure to welcome the new committee members. It is exciting to see this growing level of interest and commitment to electing Republicans. The work of actually electing strong Republicans is time-consuming and challenging, yet the rewards of that effort are great.

I am happy about what the current representatives have accomplished and eagerly anticipate what the new, expanded central committee can achieve. There is much work to be done; there are so many victories to be won. Working together, Republicans can win in November 2026 and in all future elections. I am asking for your support in the June primary so that I may continue to represent the voters of Precinct 18 in this effort.

— Joseph O’Rourke, Columbia Falls

From birth to death

The county clerk may not be the first position thought of when considering elected officials, but which public servant is there for you from the day you are born, until death?

This duty is held by our County Clerk.

According to Jacqueline J. Byers, research director of National Association of Counties, “The clerk is one of the oldest known officials in local government with beginnings back in Ancient Greece. The title is derived from the Latin clericus where it meant a person who could read, write and serve as a notary or recorder. English history shows that the role of the city clerk can be traced to 1272 AD. Today, county clerks are generally responsible for maintaining records of all governing body transactions including resolutions and ordinances.”

The county clerk holds a fundamental role in our community as a conservator for our most noteworthy moments. From birth certificates, marriage licences, land deeds and death certificates. To the stewardship of election administrations, permits, county records, and the record keeper for our county commissioners.

This is the reason we stand behind Sheena Sterling. Her longstanding career, character and dedication to Flathead County, leaves no room for doubt. We need a competent county clerk who will be meticulous with the details that amount to the sum of our existence. This position is the record keeper of our lives.

In this coming election, when asked to cast your vote for county clerk and recorder, consider a person who cares for you from birth to death and everything in between.

— Marie Hickey-AuClaire, Michelle Moore and Bri Siderius