Letters to the editor Oct. 13

Fisher will protect Montana way of life

I am writing to encourage the residents of Ward 4 in Kalispell to vote for Jed Fisher for City Council. Our families go back several generations in Montana, and with those deep roots comes a clear understanding of the values, challenges and opportunities that make this place so unique. I know firsthand that Jed shares my same commitment to Montana’s future.

Having worked in politics at the local, state and federal level, I understand the difference between someone who merely holds office and someone who truly leads with conviction. Jed Fisher is a leader. He is grounded in Montana’s traditions, yet forward-thinking in his vision for Kalispell. He is compassionate, practical and unafraid to make tough decisions when it comes to protecting and strengthening our way of life.

I have also been involved in the real-estate industry for over a decade. I see every day the challenges families face in the housing market. Rising costs and limited availability are straining hardworking Montanans who want to live, work and raise their families close to home. Jed has consistently shown concern for these issues and is committed to finding real, collaborative solutions. He understands that affordable housing isn’t just a numbers game — it’s about keeping families together, preserving community ties and ensuring that future generations can continue to call Montana home.

That’s why I am proud to support Jed Fisher for Kalispell City Council. He has the backbone to make sound, responsible decisions, and the heart to listen to the people he serves. Ward 4 deserves a representative who embodies both strength and compassion. Jed Fisher is that leader.

— Jenna McKinney, Billings

More to the story

Some recent letters to the editor have misrepresented Councilor Ryan Hunter’s record and omitted key details that need clearing up.

One such letter (Keep Kalispell Thriving, Oct. 6) concerns Buffalo Hill Golf Course.

Initially, Ryan was concerned that such a large public property was off-limits to the non-golfing, non-paying public for half the year. Given the number of local golf courses, he believed that the property could be better used as a public park, perhaps hosting a large summer music festival or other events that could attract visitors and stimulate the local economy. However, after learning that the property had been donated to the city nearly a century ago, specifically for use as a golf course, Ryan quickly abandoned the idea for a change in use.

This shift in perspective is a crucial detail that Mr. Taylor conveniently left out.

Elected officials who are flexible, serving all citizens and who change their minds when presented with compelling new information are the kind of leaders we want in our community.

Ryan, in my experience shows he was and is always thinking creatively about how to best serve Kalispell, and demonstrated integrity by adjusting his course when he realized he was on the wrong track.

That is the mark of a true leader.

— Angela Kennedy, Kalispell