Letters to the editor May 9

Former employees support Hohman

We are retired and former Flathead County employees, with decades of experience — some of us over 40 years — in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.

We know what this job requires. And we also know what happens when it’s not done right. Accuracy matters. Consistency matters. Accountability matters.

You, the Flathead County taxpayers deserve this.

That’s why we’re standing behind Cheryl Hohman. She has the experience, the institutional knowledge and the work ethic to ensure this office serves the public the way it should — efficiently, professionally and with integrity.

As Flathead County grows, it requires someone who understands the responsibility and is ready to meet those challenges. We believe Cheryl is that person.

Please join us in supporting Cheryl Hohman for Clerk and Recorder. 

On behalf of the many retirees and former Flathead County employees.

— Lucie Foster and Karen Yerian, Kalispell

Dr. Al would be a statesman

This is a personal testimony from myself about Dr. Albert Olszewski. He had been my orthopedic doctor for several years and he was the most authentic and knowledgeable doctor I’ve ever encountered. He’s truly trustworthy and sincere and he really cared about his patients, and still does care enough about his patients to take time to visit with them when they meet him in public.  

I believe, God willing, that Dr. Olszewski would be a great statesman for Montana. He has my vote.

— Patricia Borjesson, Lakeside

Hohman has served faithfully

This letter is in support of Cheryl Hohman for Flathead County clerk and recorder. She has served faithfully in our county for the past 30 years in different departments, which means she knows her way around the county complex and is well respected. 

She is supported by Paula Robinson, former clerk and recorder during the time I served as county commissioner. Paula is also her campaign rreasurer. 

I know Cheryl to be a woman of faith and of integrity and she has an excellent work ethic and works well with others which are just a few requirements for a job of this importance. I respect anyone that puts their name forward to run for office in local politics and I fully support Cheryl. 

You can look her up and follow her on Facebook. This primary election will be held June 2, be sure to vote.

— Gary Hall, Columbia Falls

Cleveland will listen

I have worked in various helping professions in the Flathead Valley including as a public school teacher, school counselor and private practice therapist. What I have learned is that helping individuals is directly linked to the systems in which we all operate and we need public leaders that can not only pinpoint problems, but also take action and work toward solutions. It’s easy to point fingers. It takes courage, strength, wisdom, experience, passion, humility and hope to unite a divided population and create change. 

I believe Russell Cleveland possesses these qualities, and his campaign for Congress prioritizes people over party.

I first met Russ at the Northwest Montana Fair.  On an August day among kids with sticky cotton candy fingers and teens empowered by the last days of summer, stood a man running for Congress. So I stopped to chat. 

At that particular moment in time my family was facing a common struggle to get needed medical care in a system that does not prioritize people. Our health insurance had changed, and the hospital was struggling to get preauthorization for the infusions that my child had been receiving for a year. 

Russ not only listened with genuine care and concern, but also with the empathy that is generated through the lived experience of navigating the healthcare system as a parent to a daughter that lost their battle with leukemia. Russ believes healthcare is a human right and prioritizes policies that would mean people like my child won’t have to worry about healthcare access for conditions that have no cure.  

After attending a Democratic primary debate and attending a local presentation from Russ, I am confident that he will listen to the people of Montana and utilize his background, strong work ethic, and empathy to work towards a bright future for all.

— Camille Deitz, Kalispell

Rains is misinformed

Democrat candidate for U.S. House Matt Rains does not know the provocation for the war in Iran. Clearly it was Iran killing Americans and others for 47 years, and killing thousands of their own people. 

The objective is to keep them from getting nuclear weapons. He should be better informed when running for office to represent us. It’s better to deal with them before they have nuclear weapons.

— John Tellow, Kalispell