Letters to the editor Oct. 3

Don’t blame the Dems

Don’t judge local Democrat politicians for the nation’s economic woes. Although the Democrat party holds the White House, Senate and Congress, Western Montana voters must not hold local Democrat candidates accountable for our national problems. In November, please remember It was the national Democrat party that gave us 8.5% inflation, $4 a gallon gas, and a recession — not our local Democrat candidates. It was the national Democrat party that delivered America’s horrific crime surge and fentanyl epidemic with its open border policy, not our local Democrats.

Our local Democrats will protect the teachers’ union’s right to stand between parents and students. Local Democrats will promote green energy by maintaining $4 a gallon to promote electric vehicles. Democrats will ensure open borders so that the country can fight inflation and wage growth with cheap migrant labor. Local Democrats will support comprehensive gun control with much-needed taxes on guns and ammunition, as well as a national registry and weapons buyback.

Please don’t punish Monica Tranel and other Democrat candidates for the disaster coming out of Washington D.C. when it comes to record inflation, crime, energy prices, and Forever Wars. Montana Democrat politicians would never support such harmful policies.

— Dave Smith, Missoula

Zinke signs

While driving U.S. 93 recently, I saw a puzzling billboard. It stated, “Ryan Zinke for public lands.”

I thought it might be a remnant of former times, when Zinke fashioned himself a “Teddy Roosevelt conservative,” before he assessed the political winds of the day and sold himself to the gas and oil industry for their support, set up deals for his own benefit and left Montanans in the dust.

But no, it was associated with his current campaign to get back a job that he once quit in order to take a position as Secretary of the Interior, a job he also quit amidst allegations of fraud and ethics violations.

I thought maybe it was the first in a series of signs. Maybe it would be continued another 100 yards down the road. Like “Ryan Zinke for public lands being sold to the highest bidder.” Or “Ryan Zinke for public lands being strip mined, drilled, polluted and made unlivable for wildlife and humans.” Or “Ryan Zinke for public lands being reserved for private exploitation by his rich supporters from other states.”

But no, it was left to us to fill in the blanks however we see fit.

— Phil Hamilton, Missoula

Comparing candidates

Inquiry and comparison, two helpful methods to use when evaluating individuals vying for the same position, in this case for membership on the Public Service Commission.

One is a physician, trained in clinical skills to diagnose and treat the human body, the other is a financial analyst, educated and experienced in matters of economic significance and strategic planning. As a surgeon and, later in my career, a health system executive, I possess an understanding and knowledge of what each of these persons claims as qualifications to be elected to the PSC.

John Repke, with over 40 years of career knowledge obtained in corporate finance and possessing an MBA in finance, has experience directly related to the challenges faced by the PSC. Clearly, he has the background to provide better representation for those of us seeking fair, equitable and well-informed decisions from the Commission.

— Dr. Wayne A. Miller, Kalispell

Zinke controversies

The list of controversies, scandals and violations that led to Ryan Zinke’s resignation as Interior Secretary were extensive. There were more than 17 federal investigations into his conduct by the Department of Justice while he was in office. These investigations appear to have precipitated his resignation. Zinke’s ethics violations as Secretary of the Interior were absolutely staggering, including using his position for personal gain. His ethics violations were wide-ranging and blatant.

We need ethical people to represent us. We need people with a strong moral compass. Please do your research before you cast your vote for any candidate, especially Ryan Zinke.

— Barbara Palmer, Kalispell