Letters to the editor May 2

With global Covid-19 infections and death tolls rising, there are two paths forward for the U.S. in our relations with other nations and health organizations. China, the WHO, and the U.S. are all to blame for their failures to initially confront the virus and for their lack of transparency.

The first path forward is to pursue political advantage by shifting all blame to the Who and China.

The second choice is to admit (or not) that we all could have done better, but now is the time for us to work together to secure and distribute a cure, a vaccine, and begin preparing to prevent the next pandemic.

One path will cost lives, the other will save lives.

—Jim Swab, Kalispell

This letter is addressed to all Flathead Valley business owners. Please require all employees and patrons to wear a face mask. Make it mandatory, not optional. They are one of the best ways we have to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Yes, they are somewhat uncomfortable and inconvenient. But not nearly as uncomfortable as dying a miserable lonely death from this virus, and not nearly as inconvenient as losing one’s job and having no income, and shutting down the economy.

If we want phase I of the reopening of the economy to be successful so that we can move on to phase II, we must be smart and careful, not selfish and reckless. We must use the tools we have, and face masks are one of the easiest and cheapest tools we have available.

Costco is now requiring all employees, members and guests to wear face masks. Good for Costco for having the guts to take a stand and do the right thing.

Wearing a face mask is a sign of respect and consideration to other people. It is a small thing we can each do to help stop the spread of the virus and get our world back to normal.

—Jane Adams, Kalispell

There comes a time when a person serves a community service long enough and needs to move on. My reference here is to Barbara Riley. I want to thank her for her service but I think, after 20-plus years, the people of Columbia Falls need a new representative for their school.

When Ms. Riley thought a $37.5 million dollar school bond for a small district like Columbia Falls is just and fair, then she has lost connection with her fellow constituents.

The election ballot gives you four names and we are asked to vote for three. My recommendation is to vote for everyone except Barbara Riley. Let’s start putting fresh faces on our school board especially one more concerned with our senior citizens and our young families.

—Judy Territo, Columbia Falls

I’d like to take this opportunity to urge you to support conservative Republican Elliot Adams for County Commissioner in the upcoming Primary election. We need Adams to protect property rights, public safety and oppose new taxes in Flathead County. Adams is a hard worker and if you believe in property rights, public safety and no new taxes, I urge you to join me in voting for Elliot Adams for Flathead County Commissioner in the upcoming Primary election.

—Jeff H. Larsen, Lakeside

I have served with Derek Skees in the Montana House of Representatives since 2017. As Speaker of the House in 2019 I chose Derek to serve as the Vice-Chair of the Ethics and Energy Committees and also as Chair of our very important Rules Committee.

In the upcoming 2021 legislative session Montana will be faced with uncertain times due to the COVID19 fallout along with a new Governor. With term limits it is very important that we send good quality members of the Montana House back to Helena who have the knowledge and leadership skills to get us through these uncertain times facing our state.

As Speaker of the House I could always count on Representative Skees to provide counsel along with following his oath of office in upholding the US and Montana Constitutions.

I would strongly recommend that you re-elect Derek Skees to HD11.

—Greg Hertz, of Polson, is Montana Speaker of the House

The World Health Organization estimates approximately 7 million people per year die prematurely from air pollution. Evidence suggests COVID-19 is more deadly in regions with poor air quality. Air quality worldwide has improved dramatically with the drastic reduction in fossil fuel consumption. Yet, as we try to buoy our flailing economy we have chosen to invest in the past, rather than grasp the future.

The United States is currently missing an enormous opportunity to invest much-needed stimulus money into renewable energies. Since 2009, steady economic growth has made long-term, intelligent decisions regarding our dependence on fossil fuels politically difficult. Subsequently, we have lagged behind other developed nations on the transition toward sustainability. Our technology, infrastructure, workforce skill and health have suffered.

Americans are hurting and millions of people have already filed for unemployment. Now is the time to believe in American ingenuity and transition to renewable energy. If it seems impossible remember the Works Project Administration gave millions of Americans a job and revamped our national infrastructure by building 1 million km of streets, more than 10,000 bridges and countless other structures still enjoyed today. Imagine federal buildings, airports, military bases and schools coated with solar panels. Imagine Montana manufacturing and deploying vast quantities of wind turbines.

Whatever your political persuasion, the economic truth is 189 countries around the globe have become party to The Paris Agreement. The global transition away from fossil fuels is upon us. The nations who excel and designing and manufacturing renewables will enjoy a huge competitive advantage. Despite trillions of stimulus dollars approved, our elected officials are squandering this tremendous opportunity. I encourage the reader to tell their representatives that they want The USA to lead the world in renewables, and now is the time to do so.

—Dr. Dan Hanba, Kalispell

Vote to maintain our freedom and make sure our government is fiscally responsible. Excellenceinvoting.org provides honest information on candidates. The most effective and responsive government is the one closest to the people. It is time to turn the Covid-19 decisions over to the Montana counties. Also, we are going to need legislators with skill and expertise in Helena. They will be required to repair the damage done by closing Montana’s economy.

The liberal solution is to raise taxes and grow government which will not build a strong economy. Conservative Carl Glimm who is running for Senate, District 2 has the financial acumen. He has served on House appropriations and is an excellent choice along with Keith Regier in SD 3 (Chaired Judiciary) and Bob Brown in SD 7 (Chaired Fish, Wildlife & Parks). These three legislators, along with Senators Bob Keenan and Mark Blasdel, are all experienced and have the skill to deal with the funding deficit we will have as the result of Covid-19.

Conservative House candidates are Braxton Mitchell, HD 3; Matt Regier, HD 4 (chair of Judicial branch); Catherine Owens, HD5; Amy Regier, HD6; Jerry O’Neil, HD 7; John Fuller, HD8; David Dunn, HD 9; Mark Nolen, HD10 (chaired Business & Labor); and Derek Skees, HD 11 (Chaired Rules Committee).

By law the budget must balance, and the choice is to raise taxes or cut spending. Please vote for conservators to cut spending.

—Verdell Jackson, Kalispell