Letters to the editor May 18

Heino understands the Flathead Valley

As someone who served under Sheriff Brian Heino’s leadership as a patrol deputy, agent with the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force, SWAT team member, and in helping establish a K9 program, I have seen firsthand the type of leader Brian is and why he should be re-elected as sheriff.

Brian Heino is not simply running a campaign, he is protecting the future of the Sheriff’s Office. During my career under his leadership, Brian consistently invested in deputies, specialized training, proactive policing and programs designed to better protect our community. He encouraged professional growth and trusted his people to take initiative. His leadership directly impacted my own career and the opportunities I was given to serve this county in multiple specialized assignments.

The Sheriff’s Office is not simply another political office. It is, rather, an office with unique operational responsibilities that require practical law enforcement experience, institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of the Flathead Valley community. Brian understands this responsibility because he has lived it. He is a native Montanan who understands the people, culture and expectations of Flathead County.

On the other hand, Evie Cahalan comes from a bureaucratic police administration background in Maryland. She has repeatedly demonstrated a misunderstanding of how the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office operates and the role it plays. Too often, Evie’s campaign has relied on misinformation and political rhetoric rather than demonstrated experience and knowledge within the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office environment.

Brian is a statesman focused on protecting and strengthening this office for generations to come. Evie Cahalan presents herself as a typical politician. There is a difference, and those of us who served and continue to serve under Brian Heino recognize it clearly.  

Re-elect Brian Heino for sheriff.

­— Matthew Vander Ark, Kalispell

Confident in Sterling

I am pleased to support Sheena Sterling for Flathead County clerk and recorder.

I once ran for this office myself after working there for many years, so I understand that the clerk and recorder position carries significant responsibility and requires someone with real knowledge of the work. This is not a role that should be learned on the job. The people of Flathead County deserve a clerk and recorder who is experienced, capable and ready to serve from day one.

I believe Sheena Sterling is that person.

I worked with Sheena many years ago and saw in her a strong work ethic, professionalism and a sincere commitment to doing her job well. She has built on those qualities through years of service in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office and has developed the knowledge and leadership this position requires.

What makes Sheena especially qualified is her understanding of all four areas of the department: the Clerk and Recorder’s Office, the Plat Room, GIS and Records Preservation. Those divisions each play an important role in serving the public, protecting county records and supporting property ownership, land information and historical preservation in Flathead County. Sheena’s experience across all four gives her a depth of knowledge that truly matters.

She is the kind of person who takes her responsibilities seriously, serves others with respect and understands the importance of accuracy and public trust. I am confident she will serve Flathead County with integrity and dedication.

Please join me in supporting Sheena Sterling for clerk and recorder.

— Charlene Terry Sherman, Kalispell