Letters to the editor Sept. 1
Get out of the way
One would think that after a man was allegedly beaten to death in Kalispell for being homeless, our county commissioners would at least tone down their anti-homeless rhetoric.
But Brad Abell decided to amp it up instead, writing to the Inter Lake to imply that homelessness was responsible for another death, while admitting — in the same sentence — that he doesn’t actually know if the parties involved were homeless or not.
It’s hard to even be civilized in the face of such bigotry. Homelessness is nothing but an extreme case of being poor. The difference between folks who barely make rent and those who just fall short might only be a few bucks, but Mr. Abell wants us to believe that it’s the difference between productive members of society and leeches.
And he still wants us to believe, with no evidence whatsoever, that the homeless in our community are all coming “from somewhere else” — like Eureka, apparently — specifically to take advantage of us. Yet he doesn’t have a word of criticism for the legions of rich people who came here from somewhere else, drove home prices through the roof, and now complain about homeless people.
In their Jan. 19 letter attacking the homeless, the commissioners stated that “hard conversations solve hard problems.”
Well they clearly have no idea how to solve this one. So here’s a hard suggestion, Mr. Abell: Instead of stigmatizing and stereotyping and attacking the defenseless, how about getting out of the way and letting our caring, hard-working shelter staff, case workers and mental health professionals do their jobs?
Also, county commissioners work for everyone in this community, not just people with money, or people they like. If you can’t do that, then have the decency to resign.
— Danny Rice, Kalispell
Time for an upgrade
Our local population growth has been felt not just in the struggles to find a house or a parking spot, but also in our school district.
Whitefish High School is beyond its capacity. Our students and faculty are overflowing into The Annex, losing valuable educational time commuting to another building. Our daughter loathes the days she must layer up and walk over to classes on cold, blizzardy Montana winter days.
The anticipated population growth will only cause further issues and limitations in a school building we have already outgrown.
The proposed expansion of sports facilities will build school spirit and pride, when we have our own football and soccer fields, in lieu of the timeworn retractable football stadium and leased, off-campus sports fields. Our current on-campus track and field complex does not have restrooms on-site, requiring port-a-potty installation or a jaunt to the main campus for a private piddle.
Given that the middle school bond has now been completed, the proposed cost of the high school bond has a reduced financial impact.
We urge everyone to support the upcoming bond vote and the future of Whitefish High students with the academic and sports upgrade our students and teachers deserve.
— Katy and Joe Krezowski, Whitefish
Protect green spaces
Kalispell needs to include parks and green space in the growth plan before opportunities are lost.
The Flathead Valley’s green fields and hills are rapidly being transformed into apartments and homes. The downtown is more densely populated and is becoming a popular tourist area.
Depot Park is a wonderful green space we already have, with huge shade trees and the gazebo for entertainment. There is talk of the library or city offices using this area. Let’s make sure that doesn’t include eliminating our only downtown park.
— Kathryn M. Britton, Kalispell