Letters to the editor Nov. 28

Words of wisdom

Penn State’s Joe Paterno made a major and admitted life mistake which haunted him into an abrupt passing from lung cancer in 2012.

But the winningest football coach in NCAA Division-1 history over forty-five years also had this to impart:  “You’re never as good as you think you are when you win, and you’re never as bad as you feel when you lose.”

— Andy Palchak, Kalispell

Work culture

I am writing in response to the Nov. 8 article about sexual harassment allegations against Lt. Sean Reffner of the Bigfork Fire Department. The tone-deaf statements in the article by Reffner and his character witness, Sen. Mark Nolan, are shocking in their general ignorance and lack of accountability. 

We live in a world in which one in four women suffers sexual violence, and more women endure sexual comments and innuendo that denies them the right to feel safe at work. Calling his statements “firehouse banter,” Reffner showed a lack of awareness of his audience and level of habituation to his language. 

Further, many reasons could account for the three-month delay in the student’s complaints. No doubt the student wrestled with how to handle the situation, likely consulting mentors, friends, or family. Thankfully, she did make the report and that she had the backing of an FVCC program. 

Clearly, the Bigfork Fire Department needs to review its harassment policy and training to develop a work culture to give people like Reffner the leadership skills the community deserves.

— Wakefield Troy, Columbia Falls

Go electric

Did you know the Inflation Reduction Act offers up to $14,000 in rebates and tax credits for switching to electric appliances that are cleaner and cheaper to run?

You can save on energy bills and cut indoor air pollution, which is linked to health problems like asthma. If your home appliances are getting old, then consider planning your modern, efficient, all electric replacements. Use the online calculator from Rewiring America to see how much you might save with the tax credits and rebates. 

Let’s take advantage of these benefits for healthier homes and lower costs.

— Laurel Eastman, Kalispell