Letters to the editor Sept. 26

Repke crosses the Divide

John Repke is crossing the divide in his race for PSC district 5. Geographically, the district spans Flathead and Lake counties west of the divide, and Lewis and Clark, and Teton counties on the east. Politically, Democrats and Republicans have joined in support of Repke.

There’s no big surprise here. Repke’s background is in business and finance. He understands utilities because he has four decades of professional background in that sector. In his retirement, he promises to use his experience to fight for ratepayers while ensuring reliable energy. He comes prepared for the task at hand.

His opponent, in contrast, claims on her campaign website to be a “risktaker for righteous causes.” Ann Bukacek is a doctor. She knows nothing about finance and utilities. Her website promises her patients that, if elected, she’ll continue to practice medicine. Her “righteous causes” (again, from her website) include advocacy for guns and babies. She proposes bringing water compacts under PSC supervision, yet another effort to stir controversy.

Please pay attention to this important race. John Repke will put “public” and “service” back into the Public Service Commission. I ask you to join me crossing the divide in support of Repke for PSC.

— Ann Brodsky, Helena

Defend Montana’s constitution

The Montana Constitution is in peril and its consequential protections toward citizens are at risk.

My name is Liam Edwards and I am an intern at the Montana Public Interest Research Group. The current Montana Constitution has offered protections for us for over 50 years. It guarantees our right to privacy, right to a clean and healthful environment, and the right to oversee government proceedings.

These rights are important because they guarantee public land and water access. Public access to land and water means a lot in Montana. We use our access to land and water for hunting and fishing which is more than a part of our income; it is our way of life.

A future where private entities can control which natural land and water sources are available for public use is not a future for the average Montanan. It is a future for the wealthy elite.

I am writing today as a call to action for defending our constitution. A growing majority of state legislators plan to hold a constitutional convention to replace it entirely. The voters of Montana should protect our rights by voting against those who plan to strip our rights from us.

— Liam Edwards, Missoula

Summer Jobs Program

I want to extend our deep appreciation to the many organizations and individuals who made the first year of the Workforce Flathead Summer Jobs Program successful.

This work-based learning program provides students with mentoring, a paid work skills training, and a paid position for the summer. As students explore their career options, they hone employability skills that help them succeed in school, work, post-secondary options, and life. The program strengthens the local workforce by building the pipeline of young employees.

AJAY MT piloted the Summer Jobs Program in Helena in 2019 and we are grateful that we were able to support the program in additional regions this year, including the Flathead.

Thank you, program committee: Discover Kalispell Chamber, Flathead Valley Community College, Reach Higher Montana and Workforce Flathead. You dedicated hours of time and hard work to implement the program!

Thank you to Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, Gianforte Family Foundation, Opportunity Bank of Montana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana for providing funding for the program. Thank you, employers, for hosting students and developing these young employees. And thank you, Mike, for mentoring the cohort.

The Summer Jobs Program is an example of true community collaboration and its positive impacts.

— Gabrielle Eklund Rowley, Executive Director of American Jobs for America’s Youth Montana