Letters to the editor May 1

Endorses Holmquist

I am always thankful for citizens stepping up to run for office. It shows their commitment to make a difference in all of our lives.

It’s nice to see several candidates vie for the Flathead County Commissioner’s role, a vital one in the Flathead. A team of three make huge decisions for all of us — especially where our taxpayer dollars go.

Pam Holmquist has been part of this team and shows the fiscal restraint we all deserve. She has made decisions that sometimes are not popular but done it with reason and thought. Her background of knowledge is one we should keep with huge inflation rates swirling, real estate appraisals rising and costs going up on every level.

I will be marking my ballot for Pam to stay on the team of fiscal sanity. We need to stay the course during turbulent times. Again, thanks to those who want to serve!

— Dee Brown, Hungry Horse

Friess will provide leadership

I am pleased to offer my full and heartfelt support for Brian Friess, as he runs for the office of county commissioner here in Flathead County. I have known Brian for several years and gotten to know him and his family well during that time.

Flathead County has some tall tasks to meet. We are seeing massive growth in the population, as well as home prices and rent. Infrastructure is becoming heavily burdened with this growth. There are a number of education and community topics that have become of significant interest in the past few years, as well. Thoughtful, steady and innovative leadership is always needed, but ever more in the times we live in.

I know Brian will be able to provide these qualities of leadership, in addition to many others he also has. I have always found Brian to be an exceptional man of faith. His ethics and character have always set a high bar when it comes to morals. He is a diligent worker and loving father, working hard to provide for his family over the years.

Again, our county is currently facing some significant circumstances and probably other unforeseen ones in the future. For success in meeting these needs, we need great leadership and vision to get in front of some of those challenges. Brian can do that and collaborate with other leaders to meet these challenges head on. Good leadership is being a good leader when that is needed and knowing how to be a good supporter other times, when that is needed. Good leadership always looks to serve others first. All of these reasons are why I support Brian Friess for Flathead County Commissioner.

— Justin Burt, Kalispell

Parce supports freedom

I am writing in support of Jason Parce for Flathead County Commissioner.

Pam Holmquist, the incumbent, has become the Flathead’s version of a career politician, having been a fixture on the commissioner’s board since 2011 while simultaneously sitting on the Health Board. During her tenure, when it has counted the most her record has been mixed at best. She has displayed a fundamental misunderstanding of proper legislative and constitutional authority.

In March, 2020 Holmquist thought it wise to support the health officer’s call for restaurant lockdowns. Later, she voted in favor of all-mail ballots in the 2020 election. She has tacitly supported school mask mandates, and seemingly intoxicated with authority, she has resorted to arbitrary rescheduling of health board meetings and shutting down public comment there. I find Holmquist’s lack of sound judgment in these times of uncertainty to be revealing. I believe she is unfit for leadership and it is time for a change.

Jason Parce supports constitutional rights, medical freedom and accountability, all having been sadly ignored over the past two years. Combined with his experience and leadership, I believe he will bring the change and fresh air this county needs.

— Chris Weil, Kalispell

County needs a leader like Fallon

Our family has known county commissioner candidate Jack Fallon for over 10 years. He is an outstanding citizen and will make an excellent representative of our community. Jack is well known for his work as a hockey and soccer referee as well as a hockey player where we first got to know him. He is a thoughtful decision maker on and off the ice demonstrating honesty and integrity on a daily basis.

During Jack’s many years of experience on the Kalispell and Evergreen school boards, the Evergreen Water and Sewer Board, and the Evergreen Fire District, he has demonstrated his understanding of complicated budget issues. His fellow school board trustees admire Jack’s ability to look at the consequences of decisions, both short term and long term, and plan accordingly. He thinks before he speaks, especially on difficult topics, and is able to make tough decisions in a tactful, respectful way. He believes in open discussion and transparency before making decisions. Jack is honest and will not be unduly influenced by special interests.

Flathead County’s population is growing rapidly. We need leaders who are fiscally conservative, know how to leverage funding opportunities, and have extensive experience with budgets and balance sheets. Please join me in voting for Jack Fallon in the Republican primary this June.

— Stan and Liz Makman, Kalispell