Letters to the editor Oct. 23

Masks and vaccines

In Dr. Boharski’s letter to the editor Oct. 9 (The rush to restrict freedom) he begins by saying in part “It is sad to see politicization of infectious disease.” I completely concur with that statement.

He goes on however to argue that the wearing of masks is not warranted. Current research indicates that Covid, influenza, and many times the common cold, are spread by the aerosol emitted when talking, sneezing, etc. The wearing of masks obviously greatly reduces the amount of aerosol being spread to others.

While social distancing is also effective, it is not feasible in most public settings. Thus common sense indicates that wearing of masks reduces the spread of these viruses, in contrast to Dr. Boharski’s premise.

His argument then comes down to a question of does political ideology trump common sense. Unfortunately for our country, many citizens consider their freedom to do what they want as being more important than the effect their actions have on others. It is obvious that we have many restrictions on our freedom when those actions hurt others. The freedom to spread viruses to others that may kill them seems the kind of freedom which should be limited. Only political ideologies that deny this important restriction can justify the position Dr. Boharski takes.

In addition, Dr. Boharski makes the statement that “the only people the unvaccinated hurt are themselves.” Again this is obviously false since they are responsible for the vast majority of the current spread of the Covid virus. If our country is going to minimize the detrimental effects of Covid we need to eliminate as much as possible the transmission of the virus. A highly vaccinated population is the key to doing that as quickly as possible.

—Roger Brewer, Kalispell

Kuntz for Ward 3

This valley is experiencing growth pains, including affordable housing and homelessness, and we as a community need to constantly be looking for solutions to shelter those in need. However, we don’t need to look to Colorado or Washington for solutions; Kalispell has its own unique history and demographics and our citizens and planners can be best trusted with our destiny.

I have seen Rod Kuntz at many forums, meetings and open houses, always eager to listen and offer constructive advice. Rod has been an active and hard-working, yet frugal councilor, always with an emphasis on conserving our tax dollars, and finding Kalispell solutions.

I am concerned with his opponent’s approach to solving Kalispell issues, as she seems to have strong ties outside of Kalispell. According to her August C5 Campaign Finance Report, only 10% of her contributions came from Kalispell, and nearly 50% from out of state.

I believe that Rod Kuntz is the right counselor to address these issue, emphasizing private sector, similar to how he tackled the Flathead High School parking issue several years ago.

I have known Rod for many years, and have observed his problem solving style on the Kalispell council when he was my Ward 3 representative. That is why I am again supporting Rod Kuntz as councilor for Ward 3.

Please join me in re-electing Rod Kuntz as councilor for Kalispell Ward 3.

—John Hinchey, Kalispell

Support Kennedy for Ward 4

I’m supporting Angela Kennedy for Kalispell City Council in Ward 4. Aside from being a strong and determined woman, she’s a well-educated, experienced business analyst and project manager who will help Kalispell with its strong positive growth and economic development. Angela shares the common vision of affordable housing development for current and future Kalispell generations.

Angela has been a longtime supporter of Children’s Literacy Programs, Habitat for Humanity, FVCC and Foy’s to Blacktail and Kalispell Earth Day city cleanups. She selflessly strives to take on the roles that support her fellow citizens.

She generously and privately gives to charities as well as listens and acts according to what is right. She is the right person for Ward 4 City Council.

—Donald Scott Davis, Kalispell

This is our city

The recent Zoom forum hosted by the Whitefish Pilot introduced candidates of the Whitefish City Council. I am grateful to share my decades of leadership, and now dealing with similar challenges facing our city, and to hear what our residents (and even business concerns) bring to the council.

Ultimately, citizens’ vote for council members they believe provide the discernment to accept, amend or pen new legislation. Although we individually may have opinions/solutions to these challenges, I feel the role of a city councilor is to be attentive to our resident’s needs and points of view, hence, why I encourage every resident to attend council meetings, read the online minutes of the council meetings, the board and commission meetings and most importantly, become involved not just one or two times but frequently.

This is our city. I appreciate the courage and commitment it takes to become heard and my door is always open. I applaud the mayor and the councilors for their oversight, their endless hours of study before each council meeting because they are your representatives who receive no pay for their efforts but do so because of their concern for us.

If elected as your new city councilor, I commit to hearing each of you share your concerns and even ideas or solutions to the many challenges facing our city.

­—Phil Boland, Whitefish