To say that I am distressed to read the Pathfinder’s banner headline and article referring to the deceptive and inaccurate petition that is circulating in the community, would be an understatement. As a community resource the Pathfinder is beholden to write the truth and the news in an impartial way and to impart to its readers, the people, reasons and facts about local life. To be a platform for some shoddy local impulses to besmirch the behavior and character of an appointed Federal officer is certainly not in the interests or support of the community. That some local person can start a petition and be reported by the Pathfinder to be newsworthy when it is without foundation in its comments and purpose, is beyond the pale and as such deserves a retraction at least.
The Forest Service Ranger now in her third year of office has been a model of professionalism, bearing and efficiency throughout her term. Even at the very outset, at her introduction by the Seeley Lake Council to the community, her demeanor when attacked by a local person with questions put to her which stemmed from arguments he has had with the Forest Service for many months, in the most exaggerated and brazenly angry way, was treated by her, after only two weeks in her position, with politeness, equanimity and promise to immediately find out the facts. She showed that this was and is a responsible and professional woman, able to make decisions and support the community from the word go. She has been active in advising the community of Forest Service principles and commitments to serve at all times.
In her private life she has moved with grace into the body of this community and with her husband has introduced a bright and glowing presence with their music and demeanor.
As to her professional life, she has been guided at all times to represent the actions and policies of the Forest Service and advise the residents when necessary of how fire control, in the interests of her staff and residents, would be dealt with.
In relation to the Rice Ridge Fire, she acted under the auspices of the Service to save property and life of both residents and firefighters. We should remember that the fire was within less than a mile of properties and raging with unbelievable ferocity. It was at a time the largest fire in the nation, itself reeling at the time by many similar incidents. No lives were lost, no properties were damaged. To my mind and no doubt many other residents of Seeley Lake this is a worthy, professional Forest Service Officer of great character, held in esteem in her work and in her recreational endeavors.
To say that the objects of the foul petition are improper and of extreme misogyny are in my mind, closer to the truth that substantive. Government in the form of the Forest Service is an anathema to many but besmirching the character of this Officer will not cure that feeling.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Cropper
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