Letters to the editor Aug. 24

Enough is enough

When will the Kalispell Public Schools stop asking for more money?

So now they want two additional levies for safety and technology. If both are approved, it would cost an additional $126 annually on a $300,000 assessment. Not to mention the increase on last year's levy approval.

I think it's safe to say we are all going to see an increase due to the increased property assessments, now they want to pile on more in the form of these levies. On top of that, the new conservation licenses that the state is requiring in many outdoor spaces, half that money is going to Montana school districts. That's $3.50 of the $8 cost, going to education.

Yet, they need more money.

Enough is enough folks. I'm semi-retired and live on a budget, which is getting harder to do with today's inflation. They want more and more of my hard-earned money and act like they are entitled to it. The always use the mantra "It's for the kids." Don't believe that for one second.

— Scott Brownlee, Kalispell

Oil and gas leasing

All Montanans now can comment on a rule-making process with the Bureau of Land Management to ensure that fossil fuel development on BLM land is responsible and does not undermine the agency’s multiple-use mandate, harm wildlife habitat, or allow lease-holding companies to walk away from any clean-up needed.

Take a few minutes to let the BLM know that Montanans would like to see future drilling leases only allowed in areas where there is a high likelihood to actually produce oil and gas. The rule would also make sure that companies put up sufficient bonds for drilling activities to make sure sites are fully reclaimed by raising bond amounts for new leases.

The rule would also make sure that existing leases come up to those same bond amounts so that companies - not governments and taxpayers - are on the hook to clean up after themselves.

Oil and gas development on public lands should be held to the highest standards. Comment before Sept. 22.

— Bret Luedke, Whitefish