Letters to the editor Sept. 7
Act of hate
On a recent evening, my son and his girlfriend were walking along Main Street in Kalispell when they were targeted with vile racial slurs shouted from two separate passing vehicles. One incident is one too many, but two in the same night. Shame on you Kalispell.
This was not just rude behavior — it was an act of hate. It is abhorrent, cowardly, and has no place in any civilized community. Incidents like this are not isolated “bad moments” — they are part of the ugly reality that racism still exists here, and it must be confronted head-on.
Kalispell should be a community where every person — resident or visitor — can walk our streets without fear of harassment or verbal assault because of the color of their skin. When we allow racism to go unchecked, we are complicit in it.
We cannot dismiss this as “someone else’s problem.” It is our problem, and it demands action — from our neighbors, from our leaders and from every one of us who claims to value decency and equality. We must make it clear that hatred is not welcome here, and that those who engage in it will be condemned, not ignored.
Silence is permission. I urge every member of this community to speak up, stand with those targeted, and show by our words and actions that bigotry will not be tolerated in Kalispell.
— Glen Wolf, Federal Way, Washington, Flathead High School class of 1982
Ryan Hunter for Kalispell mayor
When I think about the challenges facing Kalispell, housing rises to the top. Too many families are being priced out, and too many neighbors are struggling to find a safe, stable place to call home. That’s why I support Ryan Hunter for mayor.
Ryan brings both compassion and common sense to the housing issue. He understands that we need creative, balanced solutions that protect our neighborhoods while making sure the people who live and work here can afford to stay. He has pushed for practical steps like tightening short-term rental controls and working with community partners on homelessness, while also ensuring that growth doesn’t come at the expense of our rivers, wetlands, or rural character.
What I appreciate most is that Ryan listens. He takes the time to understand concerns and weighs the needs of families, workers and neighborhoods rather than giving in to special interests. He’s willing to say no to subsidies that don’t serve the public good, and yes to responsible investments in clean water, safe streets and strong first responders.
Leadership, at its best, is about making decisions with integrity and keeping the community’s well-being at the center. Ryan Hunter has shown again and again that he’s guided by fairness, compassion, and practicality. His record reflects a steady vision for Kalispell — growth that works for people, not just developers, and a city that balances opportunity with livability.
Ryan Hunter leads with heart and with common sense. That’s the kind of leadership Kalispell needs, and why I’m proud to endorse him for mayor.
— Darren Fix, Kalispell