Letters to the editor March 20

Land use plan

I just read the Daily Inter Lake’s story about Kalispell’s efforts to solicit comments for the new land use plan. My immediate reaction was, are you kidding? These are the same people who completely ignored the existing land use plan and approved any and all zoning changes at the drop of a hat.  

One of the proposed regulations that got a lot of interest at the meeting was allowing higher density housing near public transit, places of employment and the college. That makes perfect sense and, in fact, is already spelled out in the existing land use plan.  

But that plan was ignored totally with the approval of a massive high-density development of 650 housing units near the corner of West Spring Creek Road and Two Mile Drive. The zoning for that parcel was single-family and it only took a request by the developer to convince the Planning Board and the City Council to change zoning, even though that parcel is miles from any shopping, public transit, the college or places of employment, and is surrounded on all four sides by single-family homes.

And the concern expressed about eliminating public input is a joke, as Kalispell has never listened to or even acknowledged, the public input in past development decisions. My memory of testifying in front of City Council is that it was like talking to a wall.  There was absolutely no reaction or acknowledgment to anything said

So honestly, I think hiring a Colorado firm to facilitate this process is a huge waste of taxpayers’ money. After all, Kalispell makes capricious zone changes all the time. They will continue to do just as they always have, which is to approve whatever the developer wants.

— Diane Etter, Kalispell

Neighbors up north

As an American I would like to write a letter of apology to our neighbors north of the border.  

A vast number of other Americans along with me, are disgusted and appalled to think that the president of the United States would even think of suggesting that Canada should become our 51st state. Obviously, he has never thought about the consequences of his nonsensical idea since the political atmosphere in Canada would almost guarantee that the Republican Party would never again control the United States Congress. 

Personally, I would like to thank Canada for standing beside the U.S. during Jan. 6, 9-11, our wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Korea and of course World War II. You have always been there for us and have backed us even during the times when we were involved under questionable circumstances. You are a vital part of NORAD and we have always worked together in the past to make this world a better place until now, due to our current president. 

I would also like to apologize for the unnecessary trade war that he has started. No one can gain anything from it except it will stroke President Donald Trump’s ego. 

My many experiences in Canada have always been positive as I have been treated with respect and dignity, and I would like to thank the Canadians for that.  When Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said he is ready to drop his gloves and fight, that was the best possible response he could make to a bully. My only words of caution to Carney are to be careful who he fights as many of us are ready to join his team.

— Fred Longhart, Kalispell

Supply and demand

President Donald Trump is proposing to implement tariffs on products imported from Mexico. The reason given is that the Mexican government is not stopping the flow of drugs into our country. For a supposedly intelligent businessman Trump is forgetting one important aspect of business. Demand always controls supply.

If I were to bring to market a new product and it sold, then I would produce more. If sales increased, then so would production. If, however, sales came to a halt then I would stop producing it. No demand, no supply. What successful businessperson would continue to produce a product that nobody wanted?

To expect the Mexican government to be able to take on the drug cartels, who are being well-funded by American drug addicts, is nonsense. The way to stop the flow of drugs is to stop buying them. If we stop buying the drugs, then maybe the cartels would have to change over to growing avocados or something. 

You want to stop the drug trade? Then stop buying the drugs. It is as simple as that.

— Jeff Van Fleet, Marion

Support strong schools

As the CEO of a software company in Kalispell, I am writing to express my strong support for the upcoming Kalispell High School levy. 

Our company employs numerous graduates from the local high school, and I have seen firsthand the importance of basic skills and vocational education in diversifying our local economy and supporting families with high-paying jobs.

I am also the chair of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. I hear from many local businesses about the value of work-based learning initiatives. These programs connect students with real-world experiences, equipping them with the skills they need for success. For example, internships at local manufacturing and auto shops provide students with hands-on experience in potential future careers. These experiences not only benefit the students but also energize businesses, reminding us of the importance of work-based learning and what we can do together as a community.

As a business leader, I believe that investing in our young adults is crucial for building a strong workforce and a stronger Flathead economy. We need a strong local economy that has the jobs and skills needed to let future generations raise families where they grew up. By voting yes for the Kalispell High School levy, we can ensure that our students receive the education and opportunities they need to thrive in a changing economy. This investment will help keep up with local housing prices and support families with high-paying jobs.

I urge all businesses and community members to step up and support this vital initiative. I don’t like taxes any more than the next guy.  But please vote for our future. Strong schools mean strong students, a strong workforce and a stronger community. Let’s put our resources to work for our children and invest in our future.

— Bill Moseley, Kalispell