Letters to the editor Oct. 28

Protest elsewhere

Recently state Rep. Debo Powers led a No Kings Rally in front of the Polebridge Mercantile. Many photos of the rally were taken and submitted to the media.

As one of the owners of the Polebridge Mercantile, I would like to clarify a couple things:

First, Powers gave us no advance notice that this rally was occurring in front of our business. Second, the rally took place on the Flathead County public right away, located in front of our business, not on our private property. Third, while we support every individual’s rights of assembly and free speech provided under the First Amendment to the Constitution, the Polebridge Mercantile is a bakery — not a vehicle for political advocacy. 

Our doors are open to any and all paying members of our community who are seeking to find peace in nature and looking for a cup of coffee, a hot meal or a sweet treat.   

Let’s keep public lands public and keep big city politics down the road.  

-Will Hammerquist, Polebridge

Supports Davison

As a Kalispell native and taxpayer, I am deeply concerned about our city's future. For that reason, I am supporting Kisa Davison for mayor. Over the past 12 years, I have come to know Kisa well — both as a friend and professionally — and have seen firsthand her dedication to our community.

Kisa’s heart is devoted to preserving what we all love about Kalispell and to keeping our city safe. She believes the city government must do more to advocate for the return of vital mental health and addiction services, such as those provided by Sunburst. Sunburst once provided short-term care and day services that helped keep people off the streets and out of jail, but those programs were suspended during Covid. This issue hasn’t received much attention from the current Council or Kisa’s opponents, but she recognizes the vital importance of these services and will make them a key priority.

In addition, Kisa is committed to making the city government more efficient to help ease the property tax burden on local families. As both a homeowner and business owner within the city limits, she understands the issue personally and brings the practical perspective of a businesswoman who offers innovative solutions.

Kisa also believes we must reprioritize our public service budgets to encourage building and revitalization within Kalispell’s core rather than continuing to sprawl outward. Strengthening our city’s heart preserves the character and quality of life that make Kalispell such a special place to live.

I care deeply about our community, and Kisa Davison is the best choice for mayor. I invite you to join me in voting for her — you will not regret it.

– Courtney Westphal, Kalispell

Dugan right for Whitefish

I urge my fellow residents to vote for Nathan Dugan for Whitefish City Council. Nathan combines practical policy expertise with a deep commitment to conservation and community — qualities that are essential for our city’s future.

As co-founder and president of Shelter WF, a pro-housing advocacy organization, Nathan has championed sustainable, affordable housing that protects open space and reduces urban sprawl. He understands that responsible housing policy and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Nathan also serves on the Whitefish Climate Action Plan Committee, where he’s advanced strategies that make a real difference — expanding bike and pedestrian infrastructure, improving public transit, and forwarding key items like traffic and parking management to the City Council for further discussion. His leadership has helped turn our community’s climate goals into concrete action.

Beyond policy, Nathan invests personally in the people of Whitefish. He started an annual neighborhood block party to strengthen community connections and founded the Flathead Adult Men’s Baseball League, which now provides recreation for over 70 residents while also supporting the Glacier Twins program.

Nathan’s leadership is recognized statewide, serving on the Governor’s Housing Task Force and leading reform efforts. Last year, he was elected to the Local Government Study Commission, where he served as vice chair and was the only voice on the side of the 64% of survey respondents who felt that at least some change was needed within Whitefish’s local government. He is driven by his values and is not afraid to be the only person fighting for policies to benefit the entire community.

Whitefish deserves leaders who will protect what makes this place special — our open spaces, outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community. Nathan Dugan has proven he can do just that. Let’s elect him to City Council.

- Kearstyn Cook, Whitefish