Letters to the editor Jan. 2

Property taxes

The poll for a special session on property taxes fell 21 votes short of the amount needed.

Some legislators don’t think that a statewide 46% median increase in appraisals resulting in an average 21% increase in residential property tax is a problem.

Some legislators want a residential property tax increase because it lowers the property taxes for railroads, mines and other large corporations.

The Democrats have a two-page bill ready to go that would create a revenue-neutral property tax system. The governor turned down the Democrats request for a special session. Ten Democrats should request a poll for a special session to adopt their bill. The support of the Democrats could provide more than enough votes for a special session.

The 2023 legislative session closed 3 days early.

At least now we know that local government can not reverse the 21% property tax increase. When a local budget must be trimmed, it usually means layoffs, no pay raises, or a reduction in employee benefits.

I do not want a 21% increase in residential property tax to pay for a large reduction in taxes for railroads, mines, and large corporations.

— James Wangerin, Deer Lodge

County jail

I am once again astounded by the egocentric view of Flathead County Commissioner Brad Abell in his comments regarding our county needing a new jail. 

Embedded in his comments of “we’ll pay for this new jail one way or the other: through tax dollars or an [increase in crime]”, is the idea of “us vs them.” 

What Mr. Abell continues to refuse to see is that all people living in our valley are residents of our valley and all deserve protection and safety, whether they are housed, unhoused or residents at the county jail. 

Please stop this idea that only law-abiding citizens deserve protection and safety. Humans deserve protection and safety. 

I would rather be voting for a tax increase for crime prevention programs, but since our short-sighted county commissioners mostly likely won’t be proposing any, I will vote in favor of a tax increase to provide safe and stable housing for those housed at our county jail for the duration of their stay. 

— Gretchen Brown, Kalispell

Lincoln and Trump

In the 1860 presidential election many states did not have Abraham Lincoln on the ballot. 

Maybe the Colorado Supreme Court will decide to use all of their state’s $5 bills to pay people to rub the image of Lincoln off of all the pennies in Colorado.  

Both Lincoln and Trump have stood for freedom and the American way.

— Dan Manka, Fairmont, W.V.