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As the saying goes, “experience matters.” I could not agree more. What kind of experience do we want? Being raised by a single mom who had to work for everything in life has taught me that nothing good is just handed to you, you need to work for it. She also showed me compassion and being there for people that are less fortunate than ourselves. I remember serving at a very young age at Mission 3:16 where we gave the little we had to people who needed it more. I have brought these lessons and others to the private sector where I started my own...
Lee Bridges is the people’s pick for House District 92. I have known Lee for over a quarter century and she is a conscientious, determined individual that I would trust with my life. As a retired sergeant major of US Army Special Forces, I can tell, with a glance, those that are a cut above and possess the fire and grit to make things work; to get the job done. Lee Bridges is such a person, and possesses what I consider to be the most important characteristic for a representative of the people: she has a soul. Unlike so many in political o...
Regarding Congressman Gianforte’s May 2, 2018 Missoulian article titled “Congress working on jobs.” Why is it that Mr. Gianforte and Congress do not understand that properly managed forest equates to permanent jobs, property protection, healthy wildlife and a healthy smoke-free environment for all of us? The National Forest Service’s let it burn policy equates to temporary jobs, until there is no forest to fight forest fires, loss of property, loss of wildlife habitat and poor air quality. Fifty years ago the firefighters’ motto was “Fire out b...
This letter is in response to Larry Dunham’s editorial last week. I know both Mike Hopkins and Larry Dunham and have had several interactions and conversations with them. Over the years Mike has been a strong conservative and a stand up guy. Reading that editorial on how Larry feels he is more qualified than Mike bothered me. Larry states Mike voted for the gas tax. NOT TRUE! The voting records are all posted online. Mike voted all three times against the gas tax. So did all three Republican legislators in Missoula County. Mike even went so f...
I am writing to encourage you to vote for Cecil Schlabach for HD 92. My husband, Juan, and I had the pleasure of getting to know Cecil this spring and we were impressed by his integrity, kindness, and far-reaching capabilities. Every cell in his body is infused with a clear and honest intent to create a better world and we can’t imagine a finer candidate. What I appreciate when talking with Cecil is that he has no hidden agendas, no ulterior motives. He is sincerely a man who cares about Montana’s incredible countryside, its economic vit...
Democrats voting in the June primary are fortunate to have several talented candidates vying to run against Congressman Greg Gianforte; we need to select the one who has the best chance of winning in November. I am a firearms owner, hunter, outdoor recreationist and conservationist – and I believe Kathleen Williams is our best opportunity to defeat Gianforte. Kathleen is clearly the most qualified, experienced and capable candidate. Not only does Kathleen have a strong natural resources background and an understanding of the public land i...
MISSOULA - We are in the rare and fortunate position to choose between two highly qualified and thoughtful candidates for County Commissioner. Josh Slotnik brings a welcome new face to public life. However, Jean Curtiss’ experience is unmatched. During Jean’s 17 years of service, the population of Missoula County and its economic output increased dramatically. Moreover, Jean knows every corner of our county and many of her constituents on a first-name basis. She grew up in the Swan Valley and has always been supportive of Seeley Lake when we...
MISSOULA - Jean Curtiss is so much more to our community than a county commissioner. She cares about the unique challenges facing everyone who lives here, in town and in the rural parts of the county. Long after the lights are out at the county courthouse, Jean is out there investing her personal time and professional expertise trying to figure out complex problems. One area this is best showcased is her tireless work for economic development opportunities. For example, take the Bonner Mill Site. That could have ended up like a lot of other...
MISSOULA - I was thrilled to hear Josh Slotnick is running for County Commissioner because I’ve seen what his vision and his deep seeded abilities as a community builder can do. I’ve known Josh since I was in graduate school when he taught me how to start a seed, how to mix soil, how to engage with a stranger while weeding a row. He leads by example. He empowers students and co-workers alike to turn ideas into reality. For the last nine years we’ve been colleagues and I continue to see the change he facilitates in students, colleagues and the c...
MISSOULA - When I first came to Missoula more than a decade ago, the concept of “economic development” was met with skepticism and outright resistance. When the recession hit that sentiment started to change. More and more people started realizing that being intentional about working to grow and maintain a sustainable economy not only made sense but was of the highest priority. Since then, we’ve relied on local leadership to help grow new and existing businesses and bring in new jobs to support local families. Missoula County Commi...
MISSOULA - Count me as a proud supporter of Josh Slotnick for Missoula County Commissioner. For 20 years we have worked together improving and expanding Garden City Harvest and raising kids who have been friends since preschool. I know Josh to be incredibly principled, inquisitive, thoughtful and innovative. He seeks input and is not afraid to make difficult decisions. He is the kind of leader we need. He has shown his longtime concern on issues like affordable housing as a Homeword board member and grappled with development issues on the...
MISSOULA - Jean Curtiss has always fought for our community and we’re sounding the alarm that we need to fight for her too. Recently, we were at a Target Range candidates forum and Jean’s opponent suggested that the job of the Missoula County Commissioner is to oversee the judicial system. That’s actually the one area of county government that our commissioners do NOT oversee. We are also very concerned that it appears Josh Slotnick is taking stances on issues without even bothering to review scientific studies prepared for the county befor...
I hear that Matt Rosendale turned down a state pay raise from the state of Montana. Of course any other multi millionaires working for the state probably would have also. Nice political ploy Matt. Now you can mention this gracious move on your part in your political ads. Actually I am supporting the only non-millionaire running for the U.S. Senate. That of course would be my fellow veteran Dr. Al Oslzewski....
SEELEY LAKE - The Fire Service is an ever changing dynamic. If you don’t take the time to train and take classes, whether as a volunteer member or a trustee (and yes there are classes for trustees offered by the state), then you become complacent. I know what it takes to do the job as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. I’ve been in burning houses, on the medical calls where loved ones were lost and at the motor vehicle accidents where the person is scared and needs a hand to hold. I know what it takes and what is needed to do the job. I have gon...
SEELEY LAKE - The new candidates for membership on the Board of Directors of the Seeley Lake Sewer District have indicated their desire to serve. I doubt service is their true intention. Bubbling up between their claims of bringing transparency, a new perspective and other seemingly laudable traits is the obvious intent to destroy from within that which they were unsuccessful in sabotaging before. Colleen Krause put it well, “The top priority for these three candidates is not to immediately [underline added] reject the sewer. Their key focus w...
I have known and admired Cecil for almost 20 years. His has been an amazing personal journey, starting with growing up in an Amish community in Ohio, where he was forced to quit school after eighth grade to work on the family farm. At the age of 18, he left and set out for the west to seek a wider world and determined to enrich his education. He settled in Montana where he worked as a guide for two outfitters, while earning his GED, then getting two BA’s – in history and English. He will graduate this spring with a Master’s Degree in Educa...
The upcoming primary election for House District 92 has three candidates for the Republican ticket, two of which are excellently qualified to be your Representatives: “DJ” Derek Smith and myself Larry Dunham. We are both Conservative Republicans with a firm belief in encouraging and protecting the economy of our district and that of Montana as a whole. The current Representative Mike Hopkins’ voting record has shown him to be a weak and liberal leaning Republican. I firmly believe that he has shown his colors and we need to replace him and t...
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of walking Housing District 92, listening first and speaking only when asked as I’ve met the great residents here. I have been encouraged by the people of this valley and their resilience to keep fighting for their way of life that they love and cherish. What we have in our community is unique and was built by the generations before us through hard work and can-do attitude. The hard decisions they made still linger today and we are grateful for what they have left us. As Republicans we are f...
Dear Community of Seeley Lake, SEELEY LAKE - Ballots for the election for Board of Trustees at Seeley Rural Fire Department have been mailed and the voting deadline is fast approaching on May 8th. I would love for you to consider me for this board position. I would be delighted to contribute my time and fresh perspective to this board. I’d consider it a privilege and honor to volunteer on this board, as an advocate for those who serve us. I have a passion for people in this community and desire to offer my abilities in research, finances, c...
SEELEY LAKE - Mr. Spence hit the nail on the head. There is a lot of false information regarding the sewer and his article in the April 26th Letters to the Editor is a prime example. His first question is “How is that [Placid Lake algae bloom] possibly caused by Seeley Lake septic systems?” No one who reads and writes English could honestly misinterpret my comments to make that claim. But those are Mr. Spence’s own words that, I believe, are meant to intentionally deceive the readers of this newspaper and the voters within the Sewer Distr...
I am writing this letter to encourage citizens of House District 92 to vote for Duane “Cecil” Schlabach as our representative in the June 5th election. Cecil is both a hunter and an outdoorsman who recognizes the importance of keeping public lands public. Cecil’s knowledge of public lands doesn’t just come from some random bullet points or having areas pointed out on a map. Duane “Cecil” Schlabach has done ranch work that has included extensive horse packing into the Bob Marshall. He’s additionally hiked and hunted on public lands. He’s s...
MISSOULA - Too often we get swept up in the desire for the new and different instead of appreciating what we already have. This is especially true at political campaign time. This spring’s race for Missoula County Commissioner is a tough choice because we have two great candidates running. I hope all voters learn as much as they can and make considered choices. I’m sticking with the woman who has been there for us all along. Jean Curtiss and I have not always agreed but she has always kept her door and her mind open. In a divided world, lea...
MISSOULA - I was pleased to learn that the Missoula County Democrats (MCD) endorsed T.J. McDermott in the primary race for Missoula County Sheriff. McDermott is the only candidate in the race to receive the Democratic endorsement. In addition to the MCD’s endorsement, TJ is endorsed by former Sheriff Doug Chase, Mayor Engen and Missoula County Commissioner Cola Rowley. There are many reasons why McDermott has won such a breadth of endorsements. McDermott showed true leadership in promoting and implementing the Missoula City-County Jail D...
While Senator Jon Tester is not the first Senator who lied for money and power, he has recently moved to the top of the political food chain, bringing shame to our magnificent state. The big money lie he continues to promote is Senate Bill 3013, the CSKT Water Compact. His bill substantially amplified and expanded tribal authority, added multi-millions to the Compact, and is filled to the brim with illegalities and has been shoved down the throats of 360,000 Montanans in 11 Western counties. And if re-elected Tester has promised to resubmit...
SEELEY LAKE - Job well done Seeley Lake Fire Department Interim Chief Michael Greer and a big thank you. It takes a special person to step up to the plate and do what you did with the fire department. Job well done, well done. And I want to urge Seeley to vote with me for Connie Clark and Gary Lewis for the Seeley Lake Fire Board of Trustees....
