Letters to the editor Oct. 19

Bigfork cross

Maybe I’m the only one, but I’m not thrilled there’s a plan to put another giant cross in the middle of the historic, spectacular, natural river and cliff side view as you enter Bigfork.

— Mark Suppelsa, Bigfork

Leaders should protect the valley

A couple of years ago, it was brought to my attention that a permit was pending with the DEQ for a gravel pit, cement batch plant and asphalt recycling center at Old Highway 35 and Highway 35. Old Highway 35 is the sole access for our neighborhoods.

When I approached the DEQ, they stated if it was “within the letter of the law,” it would be approved. I reached out to Pam Holmquist, Flathead County commissioner for District 2. She told me she was powerless to do anything about things like this. As commissioner, isn’t her job to represent the people for their good and actively work against those who seek to exploit our valley?

At the very end of the permit period, many in this valley began praying to the Lord for His intervention. Unbelievably, a neighbor unexpectedly stepped up and purchased the entire 9 acres.

This story is being repeated across our valley. Developers arrive with dollar signs in their eyes, with no regard for the land or the people whose lives and peace they destroy. It seems our land and people are defenseless against exploitation. I naively thought our Board of Commissioners was in place to protect and defend us. I was grieved by what I learned.

When I learned that Nathan Dugan was running for one of the seats on the Flathead County Board of Commissioners, I was intrigued. I learned that he is a physical therapist who does home health and goes to all who are not able to get to a clinical setting. He loves Montana and this valley, and his heart is for its people and its lands. He agreed to meet with me and he spoke of his desire to bring a more unified approach to growth and development among the various governmental agencies in the valley. He talked of the idea of developing a master plan for growth and development with each agency having a defined role in that.

More than all of that though, Nathan is a man of integrity and passion. He has a heart to serve, and he longs to make a difference in this valley that he loves. His vision of needing a master plan absolutely rang true for me, and his heart for the regular folks was truly beautiful. 

Yes, he is a younger man and has not served in this type of capacity before. But he is driven, curious, intelligent, and passionate, and he is willing to sacrifice for the good of people and this valley. In my book, that is priceless.

— Deb Reppond, Bigfork

National debt

The national debt is now $40 trillion. Republicans passed legislation to give billionaires and multimillionaires a trillion dollar tax cut which added to the problem. 

Rather than tax breaks, the very wealthy must be required to pay their fair share which would result in dramatically increased revenue for the U.S. government. Some of that revenue could be used to reduce our national debt and current large interest payments. 

Our huge national debt and the disparity of wealth between rich and poor in America is resulting in serious economic damage. Unfortunately, Republicans have a record of catering to the rich rather than requiring them to pay their fair share. They must be held accountable in the November elections.

— Ron de Yong, Kalispell