Letters to the editor May 26
Serves with transparency
In the PSC District 5 race, voters should pay close attention to transparency and accountability. Campaign finance reporting laws exist for a reason: the public deserves to know who is funding candidates and how campaign money is being spent.
According to the Commissioner of Political Practices website, candidates Joe Dooling and David Sanders failed to file their April C-5 finance reports by the required April 20 deadline, filing two weeks late instead. Montana law clearly requires these reports to be submitted on time.
This is not a minor paperwork issue. Timely financial disclosure is a basic responsibility for anyone asking the public for trust and votes. Integrity means following the same rules everyone else must follow, especially when transparency is involved.
When candidates delay legally required disclosures, it naturally raises questions about openness and accountability. Public office requires honesty, professionalism, and respect for the law.
Dr. Annie Bukacek has consistently been upfront with voters and has demonstrated a willingness to serve with transparency. Join me in renominating a candidate of character and integrity in the June primary: Dr. Annie Bukacek.
— Bret Bailey, Lakeside
Mitchell cares for others
Cathy Mitchell, candidate for Montana House District 3, understands the challenges facing Montana families because she has dedicated her life to serving others.
As a nurse practitioner, Cathy has cared for patients and families throughout our community, helping people through some of life’s most difficult moments. As the wife of a veteran, she also understands the values of service, sacrifice and commitment that are central to so many Montana families.
Those experiences have shaped Cathy’s focus on the issues that matter most to the people of Flathead County: affordability, responsible government and protecting Montana’s way of life.
Families across Montana are struggling with rising costs for fuel, groceries, housing and property taxes. Too many longtime residents and seniors on fixed incomes are finding it increasingly difficult to remain in the homes and communities they helped build. Cathy Mitchell supports practical, responsible solutions that will help keep Montana affordable and strengthen opportunities for working families.
As a healthcare provider, Cathy has seen firsthand how financial pressures affect families and local communities. She believes government should be disciplined, efficient and accountable to taxpayers by focusing on core responsibilities, reducing waste, and supporting policies that strengthen economic stability rather than expand bureaucracy.
Unfortunately, well-funded outside PACs and special interest organizations are backing Cathy’s opponent and attempting to influence this local race with outside money and outside agendas. The people of House District 3 deserve representation that answers to the community — not to outside political interests.
Cathy Mitchell is not a career politician. She is a healthcare professional, a veteran’s wife and a longtime member of this community who understands the real concerns facing local families because she lives and works alongside them every day.
This election should be about the future of House District 3 and the people who call it home. Cathy Mitchell has spent her career serving others, and she will bring that same dedication, compassion, and common-sense leadership to Helena.
— Mary Kelly, Kalispell