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Walk to support Alzheimer’s Association

We are helping reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Kalispell’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Woodland Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m., the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 11 a.m.

I am very fortunate to belong to an organization, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees, whose members since 1985 have financially supported Alzheimer’s research through donations to the Alzheimer’s Association and which is again sponsoring a Walk to End Alzheimer’s team this year.

Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.

The end of Alzheimer’s disease starts with you. Please join our walk or just make a donation to help the Alzheimer’s Association advance research into methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. You can also register or donate online at: http://act.alz.org

Hope to see you at the walk! — Leland ‘Wally” Walbruch, Kalispell, Flathead Area Chapter 0646 team captain

Whitefish is asking too much of taxpayers

Now we have yet another school levy upon us in Whitefish. How much is too much? I will NOT be voting for this levy in the Oct. 3, 2017, election and here is my reasoning:

On May 2, 2017, the citizens of Whitefish passed an elementary school operational levy. Most taxpayers do not realize that this levy is a permissive perpetual levy, which means it will continue indefinitely. In 2012 the citizens of Whitefish passed the $14 million, 20-year, Whitefish High School levy. In 2003 the citizens passed the Whitefish Middle School 20-year levy; the current balance is $3.5 million and this will sunset (fall off our tax bill) in the year 2023 (six years).

Now we will be asked to vote in the Oct. 3, 2017, election for a $26.5 million levy to build the proposed new Muldown Elementary School. This levy will run for 20 years, and will add approximately $130 per year (for a home valued at $240,000) to our tax bills. It seemed that the general consensus of the committee, formed to look at all the different options for the school, was to tear down the existing building and start from scratch. I’m not yet convinced that is the most economical option. The school is surrounded by many homes in the downtown area that are over 100 years old. These homes (in many cases) are still standing and functioning because they were maintained, remodeled and upgraded as needed. So shouldn’t it also be the responsibility of the school district to do the same to a school which is a young 50 years old and why did it fall into such disrepair?

We also have to consider the fact that property values in Whitefish are increasing, and because this is a new appraisal cycle, those values will increase our taxes across the board. This is in addition to the fact that the city of Whitefish has stated that there will be another increase for operating expenses. And don’t forget we also will be facing substantial increases in our water and sewer rates with the upgrade of the sewage facility.

Increases, increases, and more increases. I feel this is a lot to ask of the citizens of Whitefish. I’m not against schools, but I am against the stacking of levies onto the backs of Whitefish citizens. Can’t we possibly wait until one levy sunsets before adding another? In light of the aforementioned, I cannot support the building of another school at this time. —Karen Nicoletti, Whitefish

Helena man running for PSC

I officially declare my candidacy for the Democratic nomination to run for the Montana Public Service Commission, District 5.

As a lifelong, fifth-generation Montanan I have a deep love and admiration for this state. The blue skies and the clean waters are my personal version of heaven. This is why I am so devoted to protecting Montana’s best interests. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve this wonderful place. The people of this state are some of the best I’ve met in my entire life. I would be honored to be your next public service commissioner.

As a result of the current commission’s short sighted decisions, spearheaded by Chairman Brad Johnson, Montana’s principal energy company has been recently downgraded to a “sell” rating. This reckless indifference to the free market system is the beginning of even worse price fluctuation than we have experienced in the last few years. This is an unacceptable hardship for Montana and the hard-working people of this great state.

Without stability, Montana will be unable to join the rest of the nation in the implementation of innovative energy solutions and the profound job growth that accompanies the states bold enough to dream big. This is not the Montana we know and love; Montana is, and always has been, a cornerstone of the American dream. I will do everything in my power, as public service commissioner, to work through all ideas: promoting strength and integrity.

I will fix this broken commission by implementing new policies that will project Montana into the future of energy technology. I will work with both sides of the issues, guaranteeing that Montana is the best it can be. Bringing new jobs while maintaining our vivid landscapes. Ensuring that no Montanan has to make the choice between their energy bill or their medication. Lowering your rates while maintaining the best service possible.

Hard work, integrity and no empty promises is what I bring to the table.

Please join me on this journey to a brighter and more prosperous future; for all Montanans not just a select few.

Thank you so much. —Tyrel Suzor-Hoy, Helena