Letters to the editor May 31

Sterling ready to lead

I am proud to endorse Sheena Sterling for Flathead County clerk and recorder.

Having spent nearly four decades with the Department of Revenue, I understand how important it is for county offices and state offices to work well together, especially when that work affects property records, maps, ownership information, protecting records and the public’s ability to get clear and accurate answers. 

In Flathead County, the working relationship between the local Department of Revenue and the Clerk and Recorder’s Office has long been especially important, and Sheena Sterling has been a key part of building and maintaining that relationship over her past 22 years.

Longevity doesn’t mean everything, her opponent has worked longer, but in an entry-level position, never taking on larger challenges or more responsibility. My previous staff, that work daily with the office have nothing positive to say about Cheryl, honestly they say she is horrible to work with.

Managing all four distinct areas of the department: Clerk and Recorder’s, Plat Room, GIS and Records Preservation, Sheena understands not only the records themselves, but also how those records connect with the work of other agencies and departments. She knows the importance of accuracy, communication, and follow-through, and she has earned the respect of those who work with her because she knows her job and does it well.

I have seen that Sheena brings professionalism, knowledge and a strong commitment to public service to her work. She understands that the Clerk and Recorder’s Office serves both the public and the many agencies that rely on accurate county records every day.

Flathead County will be well served by someone who is experienced, dependable and prepared to lead on day one. I encourage voters to support Sheena Sterling for clerk and recorder as the clear and only choice to lead this office for Flathead County.

— Scott Williams, Kalispell

Olszewski puts Montana first

Electing Dr. Al Olszewski as Montana’s next U.S. congressman matters deeply to our state’s future. 

What we saw at the March candidate filing deadline undermined the integrity of our elections. Rep. Ryan Zinke and Sen. Steve Daines waited until the final days — and even minutes — to withdraw from reelection, effectively clearing the path for their preferred successors. While anyone can file, the reality is stark: incumbents almost never lose Montana primaries. The last time a U.S. House incumbent lost one was 1932 — nearly a century ago. These switcheroos were not democracy; they were the theft of voter choice and ultimately our American freedom.

Olszewski stepped forward to offer an authentic alternative — a proven servant of the people rather than a pre-selected candidate. As a former state legislator with experience in both the Montana House and Senate, Dr. Al has a strong record defending life, the Second Amendment and our hunting, fishing and trapping heritage. No other candidate in this race has ever cast a legislative vote and, quite frankly, they are unqualified to do the job. Dr. Al is ready to hit the ground running on day one to put Montana first in Washington, D.C. — exactly how it should be.

In 2022, Dr. Al came within a razor-thin margin of defeating Congressman Zinke despite being outspent three-to-one, winning Flathead County outright. His support has been earned through decades of living, working, raising a family and serving Northwest Montana. He will be a principled statesman all Montanans can be proud of and the clear choice for western Montana in the Republican congressional primary.

This election matters. I urge voters to reject the status quo and choose a congressman who will always put Montana first. Vote Al “Doc” Olszewski in the primary this Tuesday.

— Megan Smith, Kalispell

Wenz is more qualified

As a legal assistant with 20 plus years of work experience in Flathead Valley, being a fourth-generation resident who also had the privilege of raising the fifth generation of my family here, I’m in a unique position to comment on the upcoming election for Flathead County justice of the peace.

I previously served in the same role currently held by the challenger and was her predecessor in that capacity. Because I have personally performed that job, I understand both its responsibilities and its limitations.

Legal assistants play an important role in the administration of justice: managing files, client communication, preparing documents, coordinating schedules and assisting attorneys with case preparation. It’s valuable work that requires skill, dedication, and experience.

However, it is not the practice of law.

Having performed the same job cited as the foundation of the challenger’s qualifications, I would never suggest my experience as a legal assistant is equivalent to a licensed attorney, much less a sitting judge. I have assisted attorneys in their work; I have not been responsible for providing legal advice, advocating for clients in court, interpreting and applying the law or issuing judicial rulings.

Judge Tim Wenz’s qualifications are measured not only by years of experience, but by the nature of that experience. Earning his law degree from the University of Montana, serving as a deputy Flathead County attorney, with two decades in private practice and ultimately selected by our county commissioners to serve as justice of the peace.

When choosing a judge, voters should consider not merely whether a candidate has worked around the legal system, but whether that candidate has been educated, licensed and entrusted to make legal decisions within it.

For those reasons, I believe Judge Wenz is the more qualified candidate and deserves the opportunity to continue serving Flathead County.

— Amelia S. Nelson, Kalispell