Letters to the editor May 17

O’Brien for superintendent

Coming from a family where no one could afford to attend college, my parents worked hard and instilled a strong desire in their children to seek an education. I was the first to attend college in our family and treasured the opportunity.

Some Montanans have excellent public educational opportunities from preschool through college. The Montana state constitution even carries a mandate to develop the full educational potential of each citizen.

We see this in action with Bozeman, Kalispell Glacier, and Whitefish high schools ranking top three in the state. Unfortunately, these schools still rank well below national standards. Our report card from Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA 2022-23) showed more than half of Montana students lack proficiency in math, reading and science.

As Montana voters, we have the privilege and responsibility to elect a candidate for superintendent of public instruction who will strive to improve competency in our children and work diligently to correct inadequate funding of public education. We need more teachers and higher salaries, but shortfalls this year required reduction in staffing and teacher hiring.

Shannon O’Brien is running for superintendent of public instruction. Her broad background in education from K-12 to college, and as dean of Missoula College provides a solid basis of competency for this position. In addition, she was Gov. Steve Bullock’s education policy advisor, and is now a state senator fighting for public schools. Her exemplary skills provide a foundation for the Superintendent position that far out-weigh those of the Republican candidates in the coming Pprimary.

Vote for the children. Vote for Shannon O’Brien for a strong Montana superintendent of public instruction.

— Betty Kuffel, Whitefish

Tester weak on border security

Recent re-elect Sen. Jon Tester TV ads claim that he will always keep America and Montana safe. 

Then why are we experiencing the influx of illegal immigraion, human traffickers, drug dealers, rapists, murders and terrorists from around the world into our country and into Montana?  

The answer is because President Joe Biden has opened the border and Tester has voted for the Biden agenda every time. Wake up Montanans! See how Tester tells us one thing to be re-elected, and then returns to Washington where he votes for policies that make Montana and our country less safe. 

— Linda Robinson, Lakeside

Tracy for HD 11

If you want a representative to work for our community and for the State of Montana, vote for Rob Tracy for House District 11.  

Rob has true conservative values and will listen to all other factions to do what is best for Montana. 

Rob just retired from the position he held as director of transportation for the Bigfork School District, introducing new ideas such as a better way to position bus parking for a safer traffic environment, introducing the longer school bus crossing arms for safer student ingress and egress, the first district to have this in the state. This hits home with me as I worked in public safety for 23 years, retiring from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.   

Rob actively volunteers for the Bigfork Fire Department as one of the most active volunteers for over 20 years. Rob will listen to all sides and work with all who are involved in the interests of our community.

— Grant Holle, Bigfork