Letters to the editor July 27

Why do we climb mountains?

For 55 years, we’ve hiked the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park. Along the way, we’ve heard many answers to this question — answers as varied and personal as the people who climb. The challenge, the beauty, the exhilaration. For many, it’s the connection to life, to nature, to something greater — something spiritual found only on a summit.

Mountains offer fulfillment, but they also carry risk. On July 9, a mountain tragedy claimed someone we dearly loved. In the face of heartbreak, we were met with overwhelming compassion and professionalism.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who responded to this accident. Your efforts were a source of comfort during a devastating time. We especially thank the Glacier National Park rangers, A.L.E.R.T. air ambulance, Two Bear Air Rescue, and Flathead County Search and Rescue. Your care, dedication and bravery in the face of danger will never be forgotten. The ground support, recovery efforts and the time you spent with our family meant more than words can express.

We are humbled by the work you do — the challenges you face every day and the sacrifices you make to serve our community. Your commitment reminds us that heroes walk among us.

To the people of the Flathead Valley: Please continue to support these incredible organizations. You never know when their courage and skill may touch your life too.

Thank you, again, for your service, your compassion and your unwavering dedication.

— Lauren Astle and children, JR and Su Dalton, Bigfork

A plan to save Kalispell

Since Kalispell is such a great place to live I wanted to share my absolute joy for the following:

1) Great to have a overworked and underpaid police force.

2) Broken sidewalks going unrepaired for over seven years.

3) Noxious weeds and lawns gone totally unkempt.

4) Speeders doing 50+ on North Meridian.

5) Homeless wandering all hours.

6) Post Office closed at night due to homeless problems.

7) Triple the crime, and drugs rampant.

8) Drug needles on the sidewalks.

9) Winter snow removal pushed on sidewalks adjacent to street.

10) City officials that cannot control the overrun city with the above mentioned problems.

The excuses I get are:

1) No budget.

2) Undergoing a policy change.

3) Short staffed.

4) We’ll look into it.

5) We’re working on it.

6) We’ll get back to you on that.

Anyone else see the total mess in the great city of Kalispell? 

There are solutions that I can give without having to do a study, organize a committee or ignore the problems created by fast growth with improper planning. It is called common sense.

Stop any and all new permits until all current problems are corrected. Why keep adding to a runaway situation.

Since a lot of problems stem from a lack of police enforcement, the problem is either poor management, low salaries or both. Houses are $500,000 on the low side, so a salary needs to allow a home for the officers. The city created the high cost and raised taxes so hire accordingly to re-establish a safe community.

Next, pass ordinances to protect homeowners. Keep your lots maintained or the city will send a crew to cut and spray the weeds and add to your tax bill. Repair all cracked and sunken sidewalks, the cost sharing is a farce. Wow that already solved eight of the problems mentioned. 

Lastly, snow needs to be plowed to the middle of the street and then removed. Streets on even days and avenues on odd days. 

There, that is a great start for a great city!

It is not that we cannot afford to get our city back, but rather we cannot afford to keep watching it get uglier with the problems.

— Ron Albrecht, Kalispell