Letters to the editor Oct. 26

Jail employees need our support

I recently returned my ballot after voting yes for a new jail here. 

A recent article in the Daily Inter Lake describing the conditions at the current jail were not only eye opening but eye watering. Toilet contents backing up and finding their resting place under employees’ desks is unacceptable. In a word...ew. 

Jails are meant to house people who have had an encounter with the criminal justice system. I would like to see the judges and prosecutors in Flathead County do their jobs, instead of making deals and handing out suspended sentences as though it were Halloween candy. When you break the laws of your community by harming the citizens of that community, then jail is where you need to be. 

For those employees and custody staff who work in an already ominous and stressful environment, it is critical that they have a clean and safe place in which to do their work. 

As a former chemical dependency educator, contracted to the department of corrections in another state, I often worked in total confinement facilities. Custody staff would routinely remark that they/we were “doing time” (albeit only 8-12 hours per day) right along with the offenders because we worked in and shared the same environment. Jail employees need our support and a modern, safe place to do their jobs. 

I urge everyone to join with me in voting yes for a new jail.

— Jill Williams, Kalispell

Community-focused solutions

As a fellow Kalispell City Councilor, I’m proud to support Ryan Hunter for mayor. 

Ryan embodies the leadership Kalispell needs — principled, pragmatic and deeply committed to serving the community.

One issue that has sparked public debate is the proposed downtown parking garage tied to the Charles Hotel development. Ryan has consistently approached this matter with fiscal responsibility and transparency. While he recognizes the importance of economic development, he insists that it must reflect community priorities and protect public money.

At our June 2 Council meeting, longtime resident Suzanne Wigginton reminded us that the parking garage’s approval is contingent on the hotel project moving forward, yet that project remains uncertain. Ryan has opposed the city fully reimbursing the hotel developer for the garage’s construction, especially when half of the spaces would be reserved for hotel use. He believes the developer should share in the cost, since they would benefit from half the parking spaces. This practical stance reflects Ryan’s commitment to sensible, community-focused solutions, rather than rubber-stamping proposals because they have momentum at City Council.

Ryan’s leadership is grounded in listening. He doesn’t just attend meetings; he actively engages with residents, business owners and fellow councilors to understand all perspectives. As one letter noted, Ryan “listens to community members, cares about others’ input and takes thoughtful action.” That’s the kind of leadership that builds trust.

Kalispell deserves a mayor who will prioritize fiscal responsibility and community input. Ryan Hunter is that candidate. I encourage my neighbors to support him, not only for what he stands against, but for the inclusive, forward-thinking vision he brings to our city.

— Jessica Dahlman, Kalispell City Council Ward 3

Communication and courage

As a business owner and resident of the Flathead Valley, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Kisa Davison and to see her leadership firsthand. One of the qualities that stands out most about Kisa is her deep commitment to open communication between the city of Kalispell and its residents. She believes that government works best when people understand the full picture — when all sides of an issue are explored, and when citizens have a chance to be heard before decisions are made.

Kisa isn’t afraid of robust public debate. She welcomes it because she knows that good decisions come from listening, learning and leading — not simply reacting. While another candidate has said he wants to go with “the will of the people,” I respect that Kisa understands that leadership often means making informed, sometimes difficult choices for the long-term good of the community. She takes the time to study the issues, gather facts, and ensure that decisions are fair and transparent.

Kalispell needs a mayor who values both communication and courage. That’s why I’m supporting Kisa Davison for mayor — because she won’t just listen to the people; she’ll help the people be better informed and truly part of the process.

— Merna Terry, Kalispell

Untapped resources

I’d like to share some thoughts on voted bonds and levies. 

Property taxes fund most budgets of local governments and public schools. Sometimes these entities ask voters for special levies or bonds that are added to our property tax bill if it passes. 

Most times these requests are for a good cause. Some voters may say yes to a levy because they can afford the increase in taxes, but the yes voters aren’t the only ones that pay if the levy passes. All property owners pay. By voting yes, the voter is also saying all property owners must pay as well. There may be elderly on fixed incomes, single parents or disabled individuals that would financially struggle to stay in their homes if taxes are increased. A yes vote affects more than an individual voter. 

What can be an alternative to property taxes and accompanying voted levies/bonds? Several decades ago, timber sales in Flathead County funded much of our schools’ budgets. As the timber industry declined, property taxes increased. 

Montana is rich in natural resources. We need to get over environmental hysteria and use mining, logging, drilling and grazing to pay for local government needs. Technology today can extract/log responsibly and the beneficiaries of our treasures will be those that live here.

— Keith Regier, Kalispell