Letters to the editor Sept. 21

Judge Wilson respects the law

Montana is one state that can lead the nation by electing honest, dedicated people to serve in our government. I believe Judge Dan Wilson is one of those people. 

He’s a fourth generation Montanan whom I’ve known for years. I have found him to be a trustworthy, hardworking, positive person who has a deep love and respect for the law, which drives his dedication. He won’t be guided by special interests’ agendas, and has said many times, “the court’s role is to interpret the law as written — not create it.”

I believe Dan’s experience will bring both legal excellence and unwavering integrity to our highest court. His election to this office will strengthen Montana’s judicial system for generations to come. Please elect Judge Dan Wilson as Justice to the Montana Supreme Court.

— Nancy Ross, Kalispell

Forstag brings energy

When I heard Sam Forstag, a candidate for Montana’s western congressional district, speak for the first time, I quickly sensed he was the leader Montana needs. Because from the moment Sam walked on stage in Missoula, the energy shifted. Sam described so articulately how rich politicians were trying to make working people everywhere feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Sam’s words resonated deeply.

Sam reminded us, “We’re not scared, or hopeless, we’re mad! And we’re ready to get to work doing something about it,” thousands of young people were on their feet, stamping and hollering like I can’t remember seeing at any political event in recent memory.

I took a friend to hear Sam speak recently. She left quite impressed. My friend says it best; he reminded her of JFK. I agree wholeheartedly. Here is the list of adjectives that I complied to describe Sam: energetic, passionate, compassionate, empathetic and a sincere lover of Montana.

He was a smokejumper, a union leader and has numerous endorsements including 32 Montana legislators many of whom are republicans, former Republican Gov. Marc Racicot and Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, Sen. Jon Tester and many Montana unions.  He is the only one that has lived very recently as a working-class Montanan.

For those of us who want real representation in Montana this November, we need to vote for someone who brings genuine energy, real experience, and big ideas — and that person is Sam Forstag.

— Mark Heyka, Missoula

Flip a coin

Dear Alani Bankhead and Seth Bodnar,

You are both eminently qualified to be the Montana senator to Congress. You deserve and have strong support. 

Now do your patriotic duty. The two of you get in a room and don’t come out until you have decided which of you will drop out and endorse the other, and which will go on to the Senate. Flip a coin if you must. 

If you don’t, and you split the ticket, and Kurt Alme wins. It will truly be a tragedy for Montana, and not what any of your constituents want and deserve. 

— David Martin, Whitefish