Letters to the editor May 17

Supports Twichel for HD8

I’ve lived in the Flathead for 20 years and through those years I’ve gotten to know Mark Twichel from numerous sales call visits, attending/supporting our local schools teams as they played as well as functions to advocate the university he attended and holds dear.

Mark is one of few people I know who, if he couldn’t take it at that moment, would always return my call at his soonest convenience and always had time when I would stop unannounced to meet even if it was to recap the weekend game of his favorite pro football team. That team had some lean years and lopsided scores not in their favor.

I’ve always appreciated Mark’s sincere interest allowing me an opportunity to present an idea that could be of benefit to his business. He would respect my effort by sacrificing his time and attentively listen to further understand how what I was offering could better business.

Outside of our face-to-face meetings, I’ve witnessed Mark work with and interact with others. His standard to treat people as he’s treated me is who he is. Gratitude, optimism, curiosity, heart of a teacher, person of faith, loyal are numerous traits I would encourage anyone to investigate who seeks to know more about Mark and his character.

Mark has served on the Kalispell Chamber Board of Directors (was also board chairman over that period), a Kalispell School Board Trustee and a member of other local business and civic/philanthropic groups. He believes in the community by his actions. I am confident Mark would make an outstanding representative for House District 8.

— Michael Hodges, Kalispell

Ketchum has experience

As an educator in Montana for 41 years, and working closely with education administrators all across Montana, I am personally recommending Mr. Cal Ketchum to serve as Flathead County Superintendent.

Mr. Ketchum’s service to education is extensive and having worked closely with Cal over the past 10 years, I believe the characteristics he demonstrates are a great fit for accomplishing the duties and responsibilities of the county superintendent office and the important work they do for our children, schools and communities.

A few characteristics that describe Mr. Ketchum, include:

Outstanding educator with deep understanding of school curriculum, educational opportunity, operations, budgets, taxation, revenue, policy development, state and federal role, child development, and the role higher education and other education partners play in the education of our children.

Excellent researcher with the ability to implement strategies in the best interest of children in compelling ways that influence action. Ability to build relationships with experts in the education field, community members and parents in order to implement research based programming for students. Ability to use innovative communication strategies to reach all audiences.

Team builder, collaborator, possessing a sincere interest in creating an atmosphere of ‘gracious space’ to invite all views to the table and ‘learn in public’.

I know Cal has chosen to run for Flathead County Superintendent to continue his career in education and for the opportunity to utilize the wealth of experience he has to better serve all school districts in Flathead County. Continued service to the communities in Flathead county; a true sign of the integrity Mr. Ketchum brings to his work and the profession.

— Kirk J. Miller, Helena

Brockman engaged in the community

We write in solid support of Tony Brockman, who is running to represent House District 9.

We have known this wonderful man since he was a boy. Tony and our youngest son, who sadly passed away, were close friends. Our family, like the Brockmans, resided in the close-knit community of Evergreen for years and have wonderful memories of the families there. Tony holds a special place in our hearts, as does Evergreen.

Tony is and has always been kind, respectful, and engaged. At a young age, Tony was very interested in government and the political process. It’s surprising to hear a 12-year-old talk with conviction and interest about the process, community, and state. Therefore, it was not surprising when he went to The University of Montana and completed his education in History and Political Science. While in college, he interned in Helena and Washington, DC.

Tony has been involved in our community and serves on more boards than people twice his age. We applaud his efforts. Tony’s genuine conscientiousness and resolute efforts have made positive differences in people’s lives and our community.

He currently serves as a Trustee for the Evergreen Fire Department, Sheriff Brian Heino’s Citizens Advisory Board, and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority, the board responsible for the new Glacier Rail Park and Parkline Trail.

Tony’s extraordinary dedication to our community is abundantly evident, and he has no intention of slowing down.

We trust Tony implicitly. We know that he will represent Evergreen and north Kalispell to the best of his extensive ability and with a high level of care, consideration, and intelligence. As House District 9’s Representative in Helena, he will be a tremendous asset to our community and the state.

— Tim and Dianne Buck, Kila

Pierson the qualified candidate

I am writing in support of Debbie Pierson, running for reelection for Flathead County Clerk and Recorder. Debbie has managed this department for 8 years, during which time the county population has seen massive expansion and growth. She brings excellent credentials to the job both professionally and personally. Debbie has been a resident of Montana for over 40 years and has a B.A. from the University of Montana in interpersonal communications. She’s worked for the county for over 15 years. Before her current position, she was the County Grant Administrator where she sought grants for different county projects and oversaw budgets to ensure funds were efficiently and correctly appropriated.

Debbie’s experience more than qualifies her for this position and she also does her work with integrity and honesty, which this position demands. A key element of this position is to oversee the election process. This is a crucial department as it deals with the accuracy and integrity of people’s votes. Debbie has shown exemplary management over past Montana elections, despite the political uproar in other federal elections around the country.

Debbie also oversees three other departments and manages a large expenditure budget where she understands the importance of proper fund management. She is fully capable of juggling it all and has demonstrated this with how she serves our community. She strives to build strong bonds with other departments and is very effective at overseeing her staff to ensure all details are documented and recorded. She spent previous years honing her organizational skills in leadership and management roles with The American Red Cross, Montana Special Olympics, and United Way to name a few. Debbie’s exemplary background and experience win my vote and I hope you will join me in casting your vote for Debbie Pierson in the June election.

— Kaytlin Forsman, Kalispell