Letters to the editor May 11

Al for the win

During the 16 years I spent in Helena representing the fine people of Flathead County, I had the privilege or working with and getting to know Dr. Al Olszewski. Dr. O was not only a smart man but one who was thoughtful in voting on everything that came across our desks in the Senate.

Dr. Al carried bills to make Montana a better place to live, protect the unborn and always kept his constituents in mind. His voting record is online for all to see. When you need a question answered he will respond.

Al was born and raised in Great Falls, is an Air Force veteran (major) who used his talents to mend the wounded and care for those who were fighting on the battlefield. He did his absolute best to get our loved ones home in one piece.

We need him to represent us in western Montana. He’s a proven conservative with a voting record and will stand up for us when elected as our next U.S. Representative from the western district.

As the ballots begin to drop in your mailbox this week I hope you will mark the oval by his name. He will continue his life of service for all of us. We need him on our side in D.C. where some triage is necessary in the swamp.

Actions speak louder than words. Dr. Al for the win!

­— Dee Brown, Hungry Horse

Character sets Hohman apart

I am proud to support Cheryl Hohman for the position of Flathead County clerk and recorder.

During my time working in the Plat Room at Flathead County, I had the pleasure of working alongside Cheryl and getting to know her not only as a colleague, but also as a friend. I saw firsthand her professionalism, strong work ethic and genuine commitment to serving the public. Cheryl brings extensive experience in both the Plat Room and GIS Department, along with a deep understanding of county records, procedures and the importance of accuracy and transparency.

What sets Cheryl apart is her character. She leads with integrity, treats people with respect, and is always willing to take the time to help others — whether it’s a coworker or a member of the public. She is thoughtful, dependable, and truly cares about doing things the right way.

I am confident that Cheryl will serve Flathead County with dedication, fairness and professionalism. Our community would be very well served by her leadership, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for clerk and recorder.

— Norma Fronsman, Fortine

Cleveland for the working class

I’m supporting Russ Cleveland for Congress because he represents something we don’t see enough of anymore, real lived experience and a commitment to make sure others have the same opportunities.

Russ comes from a working-class family. To me, being working class has never meant just getting by. It means working to build something better for your family and believing you can move forward, not just stay afloat.

When Russ left the Navy at 28, he had just $80 to his name and finished his education using the GI Bill. From there, he built a childcare company from the ground up that went on to serve more than 9,000 families. Isn’t that the American Dream? To make a better life? And he didn’t pull the ladder up for others.

He continues to put in the work here at home. He coaches kids and helped create affordable housing for teachers so they can live and work where they’re needed most.

He’s also experienced devastating personal loss. Losing a child changes how you see the world.

What’s hard to ignore right now is the disconnect in this race. Some candidates claim to speak for working-class Montanans while being backed by billionaires and special interests, and at the same time question whether Russ can relate to working-class families.

That doesn’t add up.

I’d rather have a representative who answers to the people of this state and who has done the work, lived these experiences, and proven it.

That’s Russ Cleveland.

— Daryl Fox, Whitefish

Sterling a true leader

My name is Dawn Marquardt. I am the owner of Marquardt and Marquardt Surveying in Kalispell. I have retired from private surveying, but surveying has been part of my life and family for over 50 years. My father was also a surveyor here, and I have seen firsthand how much Flathead County has changed and grown.

I support Sheena Sterling for Flathead County clerk and recorder.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with the Clerk and Recorder’s Office, the Plat Room and county land records. Those records are important to surveyors, property owners, title companies, real estate professionals, attorneys, lenders and county departments. Accuracy, accessibility and communication matter, and the person leading that office needs to understand the full picture.

I have also had the opportunity to watch Sheena grow in her career. She did not simply stay in one entry-level position. She worked her way up, learned the office from the ground up, accepted greater responsibility and became a true leader. She now has 22 years of experience and eight years managing all four divisions: Recording, Plat Room, GIS and Records Preservation.

As Flathead County examining land surveyor, I work closely with Sheena and her staff. I have seen how well the staff works together as a team, and I believe that reflects Sheena’s leadership. She is knowledgeable, approachable and willing to work through issues. She listens, considers property owners, surveyors, staff, the public and the requirements of the law, and works toward practical solutions.

Sheena knows the office, understands the responsibility and has proven she can lead. That kind of steady leadership matters, especially as Flathead County continues to grow. I encourage voters to support Sheena Sterling for Flathead county clerk and recorder on June 2.

— Dawn Marquardt, Kalispell