Letters to the editor Jan. 14

Wilson for Supreme Court

Justice has a name, Judge Dan Wilson.

I am supporting Judge Dan Wilson for Montana Supreme Court justice. If you have a chance to meet him, like I did, you’ll understand why. He is a refreshing reminder of all that is good about the Montana we know and love.

He’s not a politician; he’s a judge. Someone who was born to fix things. Someone who’s not afraid to make the hard decision none of us want to. For more than 12 years he has stood in the line of fire as a Flathead County District Court judge, heard hundreds of cases, seen things we only read about in the papers. Anyone remember when he opposed Gov. Steve Bullock’s mask mandate and the state’s request to shut down five local businesses? He ruled for the businesses, against the governor, while most of us could only complain.

He wants to be a Montana Supreme Court judge because he believes in the rule of law, in common sense, and equality for all. Love him or not, he’s no chameleon. He says what he means. He stands on principle with both feet planted firmly on the ground. When he says he can be unbiased, fair, non-partisan, I believe him. His careful choice of words, his measured reasoning, the thoughtful look on his face tell you he’s sincere.

He’s from Kalispell. Lives among us with his family. He understands the independent values we cherish. He’s been in both private and public practice, worked both sides of the judicial aisle. That kind of experience is invaluable when making important decisions.

In my opinion, Judge Dan Wilson is more than a figure of legal expertise; he is a symbol of Montana’s unwavering spirit. He’s won my vote. I hope yours too.

— James E. Trevino, Kalispell

Common-sense reform

Having lived in Montana all our lives, we understand the importance of good stewardship to enhance productivity, prevent forest fires and protect wildlife and our natural landscapes. 

We, along with other Montanans, continue to shake our heads while fuels build up in Montana wildlands creating ever increasing risks of out-of-control wildland fires that threaten Montana families and communities and the landscapes and wildlife we cherish.

Thanks to Sen. Steve Daines, we now see common-sense reform. Thousands of acres of public land have been unnecessarily tied up as Wilderness “Study” Areas for decades. This prevents Montanans from using the best available science to practice active forest management. 

Daines’ Montana Sportsmen Conservation Act allows Montanans, who live with the consequences of wildland management, make decisions that are best for the land, the wildlife and public safety.

This bill would return the Middle Fork Judith, Hoodoo Mountana and Wales Creek Wilderness Study Areas, all of which the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have determined are unsuitable for a wilderness designation, to general forest management principles.

If passed, dangerous overgrowth could be removed from the Middle Fork Judith WSA as recommended by the Forest Service. Dead and dying standing trees left by pine beetle infestation in The Hoodoo and Wales Creek WSA could be removed.  Daine’s bill will finally give Montanans a voice in these decisions.

Montanans should agree that local input, not East or West Coast ideologies should guide land management decisions in our state. Thanks, Steve.

— Denny and Jan Rehberg, Billings

Secretary of Defense

So now the far right wingers have convinced our sheep Rep. Matt Rosendale to file impeachment charges against Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin because he has prostate cancer. 

Rosendale is once again an embarrassment to Montanans.

— Mary Henne, Missoula