Letters to the editor Oct. 1

Forstag is a fraud

The TV ads make it seem Sam Forstag has spent the last 20 years in Montana fighting forest fires. But isn’t it true that the majority of the time he has been a well-paid lobbyist for mostly left-wing groups in Montana. 

He has worked with the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Central House Strategies and Montana Association of Students. He opposed restrictions on sanctuary cities and laws enforcing ICE detainers. He opposed legislation banning men in girls sports and restricting gender-transition procedures for minors.  

Sam Forstag is endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who know Montana well from the window of their private jet. That fact alone should lead you to vote  for  a true Montana guy Aaron Flint.

— William Hagen, Bigfork

Koch knows her district

Divisive politics is disengaging to voters and folks can tune out as elections near. 

My home is bombarded with attack mailers from dark money PACs, dominated by accusations lacking evidence or merit. In addition, campaign information often mimics national talking points with little detail about local priorities. How can we vote if unsure how a candidate might represent us in Helena or D.C.?

It’s refreshing having a political candidate whose platform and public information is clear, transparent and focused solely on Montana issues. A candidate whose platform is not driven by party or personal agendas. 

Paula Koch is that candidate and I urge your support in getting Paula to Helena as your representative in House District 4.

Paula has worked in HD4 for decades as an educator and coach within the Columbia Falls School District. Her dedication to the students and their families has been recognized by both peers and administrators. Paula is a consensus builder who listens to folks. Paula’s years of professional experience as an educator in HD4 and her many relationships throughout the community positions her perfectly to represent them in Helena.

Paula is focused on affordability for all Montanans, especially those who reside within HD4. Paula is a native Montanan who will seek sound long-term solutions, not gimmicks designed to win votes. I want a representative who knows their district, a person who asks constituents what issues are concerning them as taxpayers, listens to all, and will work with both parties in Helena to find common sense solutions to the affordability crisis. 

Paula Koch is that candidate, please join me in supporting her.

— Richard Menicke, Whitefish

Hold them accountable

Trump’s policies are hurting consumers and agricultural producers, and Republicans are letting him do it.  

Republicans, without any Democrat support, passed legislation that gave huge tax cuts to billionaires and multimillionaires, dramatically reduced healthcare for working Americans and limited access to food for those in need. Trump’s tariffs have reduced export markets for our producers and raised input costs, creating a very difficult economic environment.  

The Iran war and Trump’s tariffs have created affordability issues for consumers as well as producers. Congress is supposed to have authority over international trade and declaration of war, but Republicans have done nothing to assert their authority and change Trump’s policies.  

Future legislation must address affordability issues, rebuild markets for our producers and increase the economic standing of working middle class Americans. Unfortunately, Republicans are not willing to do this and must be held accountable in the November election.

— Ron de Yong, Kalispell