Letters to the editor May 7

Heino’s qualifications

As a deputy with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, I don’t take public endorsements lightly. Our responsibility is to this community first, and that requires professionalism, objectivity and a focus on facts.

That said, I am supporting Brian Heino for sheriff.

My perspective comes from doing this job every day, handling calls, working cases and operating in situations where decisions matter and consequences are real. There’s a clear difference between understanding this profession in theory and working it; and that difference matters.

I’ve watched as his opponent’s messaging attempts diminish Sheriff Heino’s experience and qualifications. Differences of opinion are expected in any campaign, but some of what’s being shared reflects a bazar view of how our Sheriff’s Office actually operates, what our challenges are, what we’re responsible for and where our successes and limitations truly lie.

From where I sit, it doesn’t appear that much effort has been made by Evie Cahalen to fully understand the day-to-day realities of this job or to engage with the people doing it. Instead, some of the messaging leans on assumptions, bias or statements presented as fact that don’t align with what we’re actually seeing and dealing with on the ground.

I respect anyone willing to step forward and run for sheriff, that takes commitment. But I also believe the conversation should be rooted in a clear, informed understanding of the profession and the responsibilities that come with it.

For me, my support comes down to confidence in experience, current and relevant training, and a practical understanding of the work.

Regardless of the outcome, my colleagues and I will continue to serve this community with professionalism and integrity. That part doesn’t change.

— Charles Pesola, Kalispell

Data center facts

The recent guest opinions on data centers are rife with misinformation. Those with only peripheral acquaintance with the subject would serve the public better by becoming educated on the subject.  

For example, one recent comment said “data centers rely on diesel backup generators and massive cooling systems that can produce air pollutants and persistent noise, both of which pose health risks and degrade the quality of life for nearby communities.” 

They fail to tell you that nearly all data centers rely on grid power, which depends on a range of sources from natural gas, renewables, nuclear and to an ever-declining coal.  

Regarding water usage, yes water usage has been an issue, but Navidia has launched new chips which focus on eliminating the need for massive water chillers and refrigerated cooling systems.  

Bottom line here is that data centers are here to stay and the smart thing is to not engage in hyperbole but in meaningful solutions based on facts.

— Richard Lewis, Whitefish