She speaks of film

The Fire Next Time, our film about the Flathead Valley, which is being screened this week in the valley, is about how the community deals with conflict. The challenges over growth, the environment and rapid change are being felt deeply in other parts of the country, but most especially in the West. I believe the story of what Flathead Valley citizens are experiencing can encourage other towns to take a hard look at how they're dealing with these changes, as well.

Sometimes the only way to deal with a vexing problem is to look at it in a different way. It tried to do that as I struggled to understand the complicated issues that divide local citizens. I found that people in the valley on opposite sides of the issue don't listen to each other very well or at all, and the people in between are so turned off by the process, they don't want to hear any of it. The folks I talked to taught me how to listen in a new way.

I greatly appreciate the dozens of people who shared their thoughts and opinions with us (including those who don't appear in the film, but who strongly influenced our understanding of the issues here). When you strip away all the stereotypes and labeling, get past the anger and the fear about change … and each other, there's a common thread: Everyone loves this place, and they have strong opinions about what makes it great and what might ruin it.

How can passionate but different views about the future of the valley be brought together to make sure the "last best place" remains the community everyone loves?

This summer, for the epilogue of the film, we asked people in the valley if they would stand together, despite their disagreements, for a community photo at the end of the film. Almost 200 people showed up … not the majority, but it's a start. I hope the film will contribute to people wanting to get more involved in the civic life of the valley. I share your strongly held faith in the good people here. I look forward to the next chapter in this story—one that can only be created by the folks who call this place home.