Letters to the editor Nov. 4

Supports Fallon

After recently moving to Arizona, and watching my friends post on social media, I became concerned. I’m fifth of eight generations in the Flathead, way before it was a county.

Being in and around local politics has been an education and a privilege. I ask myself, how’d we get here. We have had great leaders that put our county first. They would go to Helena to the governor for an issue. The Legislature would help us on both sides of the aisle.

After recently reading on social media about not funding needed deputies, I started to call friends as to ask why?

When I graduated from Flathead High, I spent much of my weekends running through the woods avoiding deputies at a kegger. However, they did the same before us 20 years ahead. At that time I believe there were four deputies. They were wise to our antics and hard to fool or elude. I remember my friend Jim Dupont saying they liked local people at the department because they knew the county. And they did.

The population of Flathead County was probably around 50,000 with only four deputies per shift.

Now? Five? Pathetic. Today we’re over double the population, and crime and calls are skyrocketing.

Where’s the leadership? Is it within our local party of “no”? Of the Republican commissioners? How’d we get here? My first concern is the public safety of my kids and my family.

Flathead County needs leadership. How Commissioner Brodehl is there I’ll never understand. I was hoping Abell would lead. Pam seems to be part of the “NO” club, whom I supported in the primary this spring.

I’m asking my many friends and relatives to vote for Jack Fallon.

As G. George Ostrom said in the 70s: Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!

— Mike Schlegel, Arizona

Election integrity

Voting is among Americans’ most fundamental rights and privileges. The old saying, “with great privilege comes great responsibility,” holds true here. We the people are responsible for setting the course for our nation, state and community.

Whether you vote by mail or in person at the polls this November — vote. Montanans have second-to-none access to candidates, elected leaders, and the polls. Don’t let your access go to waste. Reach out, ask questions and hold your leaders accountable.

I encourage skeptical residents concerned about election integrity to join the perpetual effort ensuring open and secure elections by showing up and serving. Flathead residents need to visit the election department to learn the policies and procedures employed to secure elections, serve as election judges, and use tools such as the Montana Secretary of State’s MyVoter Page App. The MyVoter Page App tracks your ballot as it’s processed and accepted.

There’s nothing wrong with a healthy dose of skepticism. Montanans must have confidence in our elections. Locals serving as election judges and maintaining a vigilant eye helps increase confidence in our elections.

Since registering to vote in my high school government class, I have seen and been a part of our election department’s effort to secure open and fair elections. I’ve served as an election judge, a staff member during presidential elections, and worked with the department as a candidate for House District 9, representing Evergreen and north Kalispell. Flathead residents have a top-notch election department focused on integrity and security. Let’s keep it that way.

Decisions are made by those who show up. Elections nor governments work well without active and engaged citizens like yourself showing up, remaining involved, and being vigilant.

— Tony Brockman, Kalispell

Problem with LR-131

Montana has a storied history of protecting privacy and allowing individuals to make their own decisions regarding health. LR-131 puts these foundational values at risk for Montana families. But the arguments on both sides are obscuring the issue.

Proponents of the measure argue that passing the measure allows doctors to practice compassionate medicine and properly care for children born alive. Opponents of LR-131 argue that the measure causes families to make a painful and unnecessary decision. Listening to the discourse around this measure has been frustrating because both sides are missing the point.

This is a measure attempting to restrict abortion in Montana. Plain and simple.

Proponents make the distinction between this measure and an abortion by qualifying that the measure only effects medical providers who allow a born alive child to die.

The problem is in the voter information pamphlet distributed to Montanans, the argument for column explicitly states that many infants survive an abortion. Therefore, the measure criminalizes doctors who attempt to complete an abortion that an infant may happen to survive.

Passing this measure creates a very plausible scenario where a woman is forced to keep a baby that she attempted to abort. A child that she is most likely underequipped to support physically, financially or emotionally. Proponents cannot have it both ways.

Whether it be because government doesn’t belong in health care or to protect reproductive rights and privacy in Montana, I urge a vote against LR-131.

— Garrett Hinzman, Kalispell