Letters to the editor Jan. 27
Help those in need
There are many factors that diminish communities’ capacity to find volunteers, and based on the Jan. 17 issue of the Inter Lake, it appears Olney Fire Department is feeling that reality. The rewards are immense when volunteering to help people in emergencies -- people having the worst days of their lives.
But I do need to correct something Chief Carr is quoted as saying: “The only thing we can’t do is touch a patient, because you can get into a lot of trouble for doing anything like that if you don’t have the right qualifications.”
Montana Code (MCA 27-1-714) is clear about this. Basically all persons, except paid professionals, are protected from liability for helping people in emergencies. As long as a helper is doing their best, acting in good faith, they cannot be held liable for their efforts. This applies to regular citizens, as well as to volunteer firefighters.
I am compelled to correct this publicly because it would be a shame if any Montanans believed they shouldn’t help out in emergencies, or feared a lawsuit just for doing the right thing. Such nonsense is not allowed here.
You don’t need special qualifications to help; just do your best. If you want to gain some special qualifications, a good place to start is by volunteering for your local emergency services.
—Latimer Hoke, Eureka
Vote ‘no’ on Bigfork water bond
I believe the recent article regarding Bigfork water bond issue is misleading as it states that they need additional water storage for fire suppression. In my opinion, this isn’t true.
Fire crews responding to a fire should have water with them. If they need additional water, they can request that water tankers bring it to them. The tankers can fill their tanks by pumping water from one of the lakes, rivers, or ponds found throughout the area. They do not have to use treated water stored by the Bigfork Water District.
Regarding the bond issue based on the appraised value of your property, I don’t understand the relationship of how much water you use and the value of your property — their estimate of $43.94 for $100,000 and an additional $43.94 for each $100,000 in value. A $500,000 value would be $351.52. The only one that benefits is the Bigfork Water District. The district has over-extended itself. and this project would bring them up to compliance with Montana requirements and provide additional water for subdivisions. The question is how to pay for it.
If you have your own well and receive no service from the water district, should you have to pay for these improvements or should the users, current and future, pay an additional $17 a month for these improvements?
If you think the users and developers should pay, VOTE NO for the bond issue!!
—Bill Pederson, Bigfork
USA is back on top
Donald Trump, successful businessman who so loves this country, just got tired of watching this country being run by lifelong, money grubbing demo-brats who like to think they own us and run things one way. Their way. To be dumped by a commoner who has the gall to put the USA back on top and great again, and has done it with less time and wasted money.
Can you hear the demo-brats godless war cry? IMPEACH!
A house divided cannot stand.
—Paul Fossler, Coram
In denial
President Trump’s latest position on the impeachment trial: deny, deny, deny.
Google those three words, and note the theme of that phrase in the 1967 movie, “A Guide For the Married Man.”
It seems this also may be our president’s theme, and may have been for a long time. Be wary, citizens. Hasten not to succumb to that intent.
—Fred Sego, Kalispell