LETTER: Regier has proven himself

Keith Regier has served us well in the Montana House of Representatives for four sessions. His experience included Republican majority whip and majority leader. Keith has earned the respect of his fellow legislators across the state.

I have appreciated his legislative reports printed in The Daily Inter Lake. His common sense and honesty are to be admired.

We in Senate District 3 would do well to elect Keith Regier to represent us. We would be assured of the continuation of the same capable representation he has been providing in the House.

There is much at stake in this election. We all know what happened in the last legislative session; the water compact was unconstitutionally passed without a two-thirds majority and is currently in litigation. This compact, if passed by Congress, will have adverse effects on the Salish-Kootenai reservation, especially the irrigators. This water compact will also affect us here in the Flathead Valley in respect to the off-reservation water rights. We need Keith’s leadership in the Senate to protect our property rights.

Keith has been criticized for not negotiating further on SB416. The infrastructure bill included millions of “added pork” spending in which Gov. Bullock would not negotiate. Of the $150 million, $40 million included two capital projects instead of allocating funding for more water, sewer and school projects. Some $25 million was to be spent on a new Montana Historical Society Museum located in Helena. Why is a museum in Helena a priority over true infrastructure? SB416 included $18 million to renovate Romney Hall at MSU Bozeman as well.

Again, let us elect Keith Regier for Senate District 3. He will provide the same reliable service in the future as he has in the past.

—Lavonne Larson, Kalispell