Letters to the editor Oct. 27

Sheehy is dismissive

As a former Republican state legislator in Montana, a young woman and a proud fifth-generation Montanan, I find Tim Sheehy’s most recently uncovered comments incredibly dismissive and offensive to young voters across Montana. Sheehy has been on record stating that women under the age of 30 are “indoctrinated” and “single-issue voters” for caring about reproductive rights this election. 

The issue of reproductive freedom may not be necessary to him, but it is an essential issue to many young Montana women. Sheehy’s dismissive language tells you all you need to know about what he thinks about young voters — and how little he cares about our concerns. 

As one of the youngest state legislators in Montana, I strived to be a voice for young people like me and get a seat at the table to fight for our issues. Young voters in Montana are battling sky-high housing costs and looking at the reality of possibly never owning a home because out-of-staters like Sheehy move here and buy up multiple homes. Meanwhile, students and other young people struggle or seek additional loans to afford rent. 

So when Sheehy says, “Young people, listen, they’ve been indoctrinated for too long,” it feels personal. And I think Tim could benefit from listening to young people and our priorities — not dismissing them. 

Sheehy has repeatedly shown Montanans that he’ll never work in the best interests of our state. He’s moved here and bought multiple mansions and thousands of acres of land to play cowboy. He is not here to represent us or take Montanans’ concerns seriously but to hitch a ride to the Senate. 

I’m a Republican, and a split-ticket voter who votes for what I feel is best for Montana. Sen. Jon Tester values every Montanan’s voice, regardless of age or party, and will always consider our ideas and opinions. Tester wants Montana to thrive because he grew up here and has the same hopes and dreams for our state as I do. 

Montana values are on the line in this election. Your vote matters. Don’t vote for the “pseudo-Montanan” Sheehy, who knows nothing about what makes Montana the Last Best Place. Vote for Tester, who will always give young people and all Montanans a seat at the table because Montana always comes first for him. 

— Mallerie Stromswold, Billings

Democratic lessons

Like most, I’ve never seen an election campaign like this one, and I’m 78. 

I’ve learned that Democrats hate everyone not born in Montana. That’s a shame since 50% of Montana residents weren’t born here. 

I’ve learned Democrats hate successful people who’ve achieved the American dream. If you’re wealthy you’re causing Montana’s cost of living to increase. I’ve learned real Montanans are fiercely independent. But a quick check shows a full 50% of our state budget comes from the federal government, which ranks us third worst in the nation.

Here is another tidbit for those Democratic politicians burying us in trees placed in our mailboxes every day. Sen. Jon Tester was first elected in 2007, which means he has been in office for 17 years. His net worth has increased from a reported $200,000 to $2 million. A lot more than that little farm would have made him. 

During that same 17 years, the Montana Governor’s Office was occupied by a Democrat for 14 years. During that time, Montana farms and ranches declined by 22%, timber production dropped by 19% and cattle inventory dropped by 9%. 

Isn’t that interesting? Democratic lessons.

— Ed Kugler, Kalispell

Observations on Doug Adams

It seems the political climate has simply degraded to sound bites of accusations. I believe observation is one of the most reliable ways to measure a person. 

I’ve seen the accusations of Doug Adams, who is running for state Senate District 2, as being incompetent, not able to work with others, even how extreme he is from out-of-state politcal money. 

I have known Doug for over nine years, and if he possesses those qualities, then how has he grown a landscaping business to one of the top in the valley, or how in the world has he also grown a vacation rental business from nothing, in his barn, to one of the valley’s highest rated vacation rentals? These businesses are driven by consumer satisfaction and the ability to meet others’ needs. 

My observation: he is competent, way better than most, and has the ability to work with people even when he disagrees. I’m not sure why a man with two highly successful businesses, an active family life and extremely involved in his community would subject himself to the political process.  

I do know Doug cares for people and he cares about the quality of life of the people around him. I have observed Doug’s concern about the over-reach of government, its out-of-control spending and the rising taxes that affect every household. 

I have also observed something unique in the political arena that Doug brings, it is called dialogue. How many politicians sit down for a private lunch with their opponents to talk about the issues and to get to know the person better? Doug has, it’s how he operates — face to face, talking it out.  

Doug Adams will represent us all very well.

— Chris Baker, Columbia Falls