LETTER: Lew Weaver is 'man of integrity'

Residents of the Flathead Valley, I don’t live in your wonderful area, but I visit there every summer. I reside in southern California. I’m aware of the controversy in the Creston area concerning the proposed Montana Artesian Water Company on Egan Slough Road. Lew Weaver and his wife, Larel, are seeking permits to establish the company and sell bottled water.

Judging from the newspaper and television reporting, there are disagreements about the impacts of taking water from the deep water aquifer under his property. I don’t fault local residents for their concerns and the need for more information that could impact their wells and roads.

Lew and Larel are good friends of mine. Obviously I’m biased. I’m not naive to think my statement holds much credibility not living in Montana.

What I can tell you with certainty is that they are good people. Both of them were successful business people and have shown me that they care. I have known Lew for 35 years. He is a man of integrity and character. He is compassionate and cares about people. He would put his neighbors at the top of the list to protect and try to mitigate areas of dispute.

I’m a retired fire chief and served the public for 36 years. I think I’m a good judge of character.

Hydrology is not a new science. The permitting agencies will consider the science and make an educated decision. If the permitting agencies approve the project, then he will abide by the findings and mitigations.

What I’m really concerned about are the many people voicing their negative concerns on social media trying to sway public opinion. They just don’t want any business that uses natural resources even if that resource is naturally replenished.

I’m hopeful that the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will be fair and impartial.

—Bob Martines, Yucaipa, California