Flathead residents raise concerns about housing, mental health at listening session hosted by state lawmakers

Flathead Valley residents expressed frustration over property taxes, the lack of affordable housing and a broken mental health system during a listening session organized by Democratic state lawmakers Tuesday.

“We may not have all the answers, even though you may think we do and some legislators may think they do,” said Rep. Mary Caferro, a Democrat from Helena, during the session in Columbia Falls, prompting laughter from the crowd.

The session was part of a statewide Democratic legislative listening tour. Legislators in attendance Tuesday included Rep. Dave Fern, D-Whitefish, Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena, and Caferro.