Letters to the editor Oct. 9
My fourth letter
At 75 years of age, I look back to reflect on my letters to the editor which I have written. As I can recall there have been three, all of those in the last 25 years. That would then be an average of one every 8.3 years. So, I must confess that I will not be as good at this as Al Weed and David Myerowitz, but I will do my best.
Concerning the first three letters, I, like the two aforementioned writers, felt a need to share my opinion with others. As I do today.
The first letter was written to show support for high school sporting officials and to castigate a crowd which had shown extremely poor sportsmanship. In that crowd, two were the most noticeable. One came to me and apologized. The other did not. Thank you BJ.
The second letter was to commend and to praise the entire wrestling community of Kalispell. After having officiated for many years, I was extremely fortunate to work a Flathead/Glacier match.
On that night, a Downs Syndrome student, Wade Clarke wrestled Andrew Brown and won. It was under the lights with both sides of the gym cheering Wade on to victory. It was incredibly emotional. It took me 15 minutes to collect myself after wiping away the tears before we started the varsity matches.
The third letter was in support of Jerry Smalley when many in our community railed against him. As I said then, he is a good man and did not deserve their disdain.
Now I am on my fourth. Each of the aforementioned writers, Weed and Myerowitz, seem to take great measures and time to string together words which they expect and hope will convince others to think as they do. They air personal grievances back and forth. They share their pompous pontifications with us.
For myself and I suspect many others — we don’t care!
So, please, use the USPS or your telephones or a cup of coffee together at a local restaurant for your discussions. We don’t care!
So, whether your names be Weed and Myerowitz or Smith and Jones or Red and Blue, please don’t share your rancor and divisiveness. It does no one no good.
And remember a quote by Mark Twain: “Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”
It would be nice if each of you set your calendar for 8.3 years from now to write your next letter. Maybe then you will be more wise and accepting of other opinions and you can write a happy letter.
— Karl Sorenson, Columbia Falls
Hunter has experience
Kalispell voters are fortunate to have a choice of three candidates for mayor. But Ryan Hunter rises above the others.
Hunter has demonstrated a compassionate and commonsense form of leadership during his time on the City Council. His background in urban planning is a strong asset as Kalispell deals with growing pains.
Hunter has focused on Kalispell’s most important issues, including making sure families can afford a roof overhead by seeking support for more action on affordable housing. He has provided leadership by working to get lead and other pollutants out of our drinking water. He has backed planning that makes sure our kids have safe routes to schools, planning for people not just vehicles. He has proven himself willing to work hard, speak his mind, vote his conscience and listen to others. That is a breath of fresh air in the current political climate.
One of Hunters’ opponents emphasizes her ties to the business community. That’s fine. But it’s limited. She has no real track record in any kind of elected office. Perhaps she should consider serving on the Council for a term or two before she runs for mayor.
Hunters’ other opponent does have a track record on the City Council. His perspective, however, tends to place the burden of solving community problems on individuals and private groups, sidestepping the responsibilities of the city government. Kalispell needs a mayor with a better understanding of public leadership in order to build a stronger, healthier community that serves everyone.
Ryan Hunter is the best person for the job.
— Ben Long, Kalispell
Tiresome complaints
The letter from Wesley Thiessen in the Oct. 7 issue was well thought out and a welcome read. It gets tiresome to see the constant complaints and name calling coming from the left.
— Dona Taylor, Rexford