DIL Editorial
Thoughtful perspectives from the Daily Inter Lake editorial board—local viewpoints on issues shaping Northwest Montana.
Mall redevelopment may be a gamble worth taking
Developers have proposed an intriguing plan for Kalispell Center Mall that promises a bright future for the town’s…
Keep taxes low the right way
A constitutional initiative that would proactively prevent any kind of real-estate transfer tax in Montana may sound good in theory, but let’s look a little deeper.
No on I-161; yes on being informed
One of the citizen initiatives on the Nov. 2 ballot would abolish outfitter-sponsored nonresident big-game licenses. The immediate effect would be to eliminate 5,500 outfitter sponsored licenses and replace them wi…
Donate, but do it in the light
Generally speaking, better disclosure of political contributions should be regarded as a societal benefit, particularly as American politics is fueled by an ever-increasing amount of money.
Vote like your life depends on it
The delegates to Montana’s 1972 Constitutional Convention did something rather humble and rather extraordinary — they gave us the opportunity to throw out their work every 20 years if it didn’t stand up to the test…
Reappraisal fix needed... still
It appears that whatever delegation the Flathead Valley sends to Helena after next month’s elections, there will be a unified and highly justified priority on doing something about the state’s badly flawed reapprai…
Mexico must deal with crime
A coalition of mayors from Mexican border cities recently made a jaw-dropping, absurdly out-of-line request for the United States to stop deporting illegal immigrants who have been convicted of serious crimes to th…
'Cap the rate?' No, keep the freedom
Maybe it’s well intended, but the ballot initiative to “cap the rate” on payday loans is another dose of “nanny statism” with very real consequences.
Business license, or new tax?
On the surface, it’s an idea that might appear to have merit.
Tales of a 'water logged' industry
We suspect we are not the only ones who read Tuesday’s front-page story about a creative approach to logging with a sense of irony — tinged with a bit of nostalgia.
Doughnut fix is slam dunk
The long-simmering feud between Whitefish and Flathead County over planning jurisdiction in the so-called “doughnut area” may finally be close to resolution.
Wrong time to increase taxes
First things first. Economic recovery is needed before raising taxes to fight deficits. All of the so-called Bush tax cuts should be extended, not because Republicans want it that way, but because it’s the best cou…
More good news for C-Falls
Kalispell Regional Medical Center is the latest in a long line of businesses and agencies recently that have given their imprimatur to Columbia Falls as a good place to build.
Economy, summit and solutions
Sen. Max Baucus recently flexed his economic muscle, and showed why having a senator with seniority is a big boost for a small-population state like Montana.
Sykes' gets a fitting champion
It may not rise to the level of Donald Trump and the Plaza Hotel, but when two local icons got together recently, it was certainly big news in the Flathead.
Healing the wounds of Ruby Ridge
Sometimes, the passage of time can heal even the worst of wounds.