Letters to the editor April 14

Support the school levy

For generations, common citizens like us have simply decided to make our country exceptional by ensuring that every kid has access to quality education. We have done it because we know that education is absolutely central to the American ideals of equality and opportunity.

Our system of public education is rooted in our country’s founding when enlightened citizens rightfully recoiled from stifling European traditions that tied educational access to royal blood or family wealth. Here in America, we decided that anyone should be able to get an education and so we banded together as citizens and created public schools.

Like other great parts of America, this required diligence, sacrifice. and funding. Luckily for the Flathead Valley, generations before us were wise enough to vote yes on school levies and our kids are the beneficiaries. Those past yes votes mean that District 5 high schools still boast great graduation rates and exceptional academic programs that benefit every single kid and resident of this valley.

Now it is time to do our duty. The district has accepted almost 500 new students in the past few years and yet we have not passed additional funding since 2007. Our system is stressed and we now face the very real risk of reducing critical opportunities. We can’t let that happen and so we need to carry on the most American of all traditions by funding educational opportunities for all with a yes vote on April 18.

For most of us, this will mean less than the cost of a pizza each month. Compared to the other sacrifices made for this country, it’s the least we could do to make sure every kid has the chance to follow their own American dream.

— Ryan Busse, Kalispell

Do your election homework

The ballots for school board trustee positions will soon be mailed out. The official election day is May 3. This is an important election and a large turnout by informed voters is essential.

This race is non-partisan. There will be no party identification on the ballot. Therefore voters will have to ascertain the interests, accomplishments and values of the candidates on their own.

Events of the last two years should serve as a wake-up call that it matters immensely which candidates are elected to administer local schools. The recent race for governor in Virginia serves as an example of the emotion that is generated when school boards and parents battle over who has primary responsibility for the academic and athletic success, and social and emotional development of children. In Virginia the candidate who strongly defended the responsibility and rights of the parents won a surprising victory in that highly contentious race, and every vote counted.

Local candidates in this election are not interchangeable; there are clear choices to be made. Please do not just vote for a person simply because you recognize their name.

The voters’ best choice will be made only after they have done their “homework.” Take some time to learn about the candidates. Pay attention to their ads and their interviews. Examine their election flyers, and learn who in the community supports them, and who opposes them as well.

Explore their social media accounts to learn of their positions on crucial issues and to look at their answers to questions submitted by other followers. Meet with them and ask your own questions. Look for candidates who share your ideas. If you cannot find a clear and honest expression of a candidate’s views, vote for someone else.

Remember that this is your opportunity to make a difference without disappointing or angering those in your social and business world. These are secret ballots.

If you do make this effort, the differences among the candidates will become crystal clear. Then and only then make your “educated” choice. The future of our community depends on your informed and wise decision.

— Joe O’Rourke, Columbia Falls

Endorsement for Sprunger

As a conservative, I am supporting Republican candidate Courtenay Sprunger for House District 7, and this is why.

Heart of service: Courtenay holds the value of service to others above self. She embodies servant leadership as a means to help others, improve our communities, and maintain the values we hold dear in the Flathead Valley. The characteristics I want in an elected official are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In knowing Courtenay for the past seven years, I can say I have observed these fruits in her life.

A commitment to what’s best for our kids: As an educator, I know Courtenay will work to ensure all children have access to the best education possible and provide the needed funding and resources for our schools to accomplish this critical responsibility. As a business leader, Courtenay knows the significance and need to prepare our kids for a quality life after high school with the knowledge and skills they will need for successful employment in the trades, technology, health sciences, and other family wage earning jobs.

A practical approach to the real problems facing our communities: Courtenay is smart and as a successful business entrepreneur in our community, possesses the skills to solve the complex problems and challenges we face. Issues such as affordable housing, implementing needed infrastructure improvements, and the challenges many families face in finding appropriate childcare are just a few of the issues Courtenay has been involved in and experience with.

Most importantly, I am supporting Courtenay because she is a quality human being who can work with others, regardless of political affiliation, to solve our most complex issues facing Montana currently.

Let’s get things done in a spirit of cooperation and integrity, let’s elect Courtenay Sprunger, Republican, for House District 7.

— Mark Flatau, Kalispell