Letters to the editor Sept. 14

Imagine

You don’t have to be a Beatle to imagine.

I often find myself wondering what life could look like if we all truly communicated. I imagine a future where politicians serve the next generation rather than themselves, and where neighbors discuss politics without falling into the trap of modern, divisive ideology. I imagine a world where we respect each other’s beliefs and consider them before deciding they are wrong. To live without acknowledging that everything requires balance feels like a disservice to myself; I want to understand where others are coming from and why they feel the way they do. That is a healthy, normal way to interact.

I find myself applying these ideals to my home. I imagine a Montana where people hunt and fish responsibly, steward the land with purpose, voice their opinions without fear, and cherish religious choice. I imagine a state free from government overreach into personal health decisions — but also a Montana that follows the U.S. Constitution rather than blindly following a party.

Imagine: safe kids, responsible resource management, quality education and minimal government — but mostly, a genuine consideration for the future. 

You don’t have to be a Republican or a Democrat to want that, but you should be able to be either. 

Imagine not letting the media distract us. Imagine not being defined by the extreme beliefs of others. Maybe, just maybe, it will become our new normal. I believe we can come back together and be stronger. And I don’t have to be a Beatle to imagine that.

­— Jeremy Phillips, Kalispell

Main Street parking

We never see Kalispell City Council members visiting our downtown retail shops, yet they make decisions affecting the livelihood of these businesses.

When was the last time any of you or them bought an item at a downtown retail shop?

If you did, you’d know buying a formal dress, wedding gown or gift takes more than two hours, especially if you want to visit as many shops to see what’s available.

Nothing will kill downtown retail businesses quicker than $20 and $30 parking tickets. Tourist too will just avoid the downtown shops.

Many years ago, an outgoing council person gave me a parking study the city had done in 1976. He was frustrated with the “it’s just a perception there is no downtown parking problem” pitched by some staff and council members.

We paid good money, the citizens of this fair city, for that study and we have paid good money for countless other studies that have told the same story. Recommendations?

Wait for it. A parking building!  In the 1976 study two sites were located for two of the parking structures because growth was anticipated.

If our money can be wasted on numerous traffic and parking studies, we can build a parking structure. All grown up cities have parking buildings, even Whitefish.

The gentleman who lost his patience with the council about the parking surveillance system is the tip of the iceberg.

Folks are beyond disappointed with many things by this council. My advice to them is please stop listening to the same actors.

Visit the Main Street retail businesses, talk to them and you might get a whole different picture.

­— Karlene Khor, Kalispell

Koch knows her district

Time is a gift. After 21 years owning our small Columbia Falls home and 25 years dedicated to SD6 as an educator, I’ve witnessed time impact our community. Time connects you to the community. Time rooted in an area invests you in the prosperity of the people, the town, and the land. 

In our divided political environment, I am longing for representatives who avoid a personal agenda. I want a representative who asks all constituents what is important regardless of party affiliation. 

Our candidates for House District 4 offer a definitive choice. One candidate has an agenda and doesn’t live in HD4. The other choice is one who has resided in her district for over 30 years. She has worked in her district for close to 30 years. This time in a place proves investment in our communities. Paula Koch’s devoted time in HD4 demonstrates her commitment toward improving the quality of life for all constituents.

I want a representative who is not concerned with who I voted for in the last elections, but rather a representative who knows their district. I want a representative who strives to meet the needs of those constituents. I want a representative who isn’t running on repetitive talking points, but rather one who asks constituents what issues are concerning taxpayers. Being from Columbia Falls surely links one to an area, as it should, but it’s those who reside in House District 4 who know the current challenges. I want a representative who will work with both sides of the aisle and compromise for the betterment of all.

Because of her faithful time in HD4, her long service as an educator, and her commitment to listen to all constituents, I’ll vote for Paula Koch.

— Leslie DiMaio, Columbia Falls