Negative focus

This letter is in response to the article in the Sept. 8 issue of the Whitefish Pilot written by Richard Hanners regarding the City of Whitefish Police Department.

Although the article stated "written comments reveal a wide range of attitudes about the police who enforce the laws," the article definitely focused on the negative comments. I would have liked to have seen some of the praise that our officers deserve.

Many of the comments printed show ignorance, sexism and downright disrespect rather than constructive criticism.

People would not have to worry about being given a ticket if they did not break the law — period, end of story.

And the law is the same even if it's "after 10 p.m., with no traffic in sight."

Even though we are not in a big city, our officers put their lives on the line everyday to protect and serve the public. They do it for the love of the job.

There are other lines of work that pay much more and do not require the rotating shifts, stress and threats that our officers face every day. Our officers are out there working 24-7, holidays, weekends and overtime. It is a big sacrifice for the officer and their family.

Our officers do much more than just "conspire to arrest speeders" and give out tickets "for the city to try to make some money." They respond to traffic accidents, broken-down vehicles, medical calls and domestic violence situations. They get drunken drivers off the road, get drugs off the street, and help teach and mentor our kids. They protect our lives, our property and our city.

Unlike what most people seem to think, they do not just drive around all day. It's easy for others to "caution police about how they [go] about doing their job" when most people have no idea what officers go through every day.

They are highly educated, brave, strong and well-trained. They take verbal abuse daily and see things that no one should have to see.

Chief Bill Dial is one of the best things that has ever happened to the City of Whitefish Police Department, and Whitefish should be grateful to have the caliber of leadership and officers that we have.

Thank you, City of Whitefish Police. There are many of us that salute you for a job well done.

Kristin Veneman

Whitefish

Best taste ever

We would like to sincerely thank the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, all the area restaurants and businesses that participated, and anyone else who helped make last night's "Taste of Whitefish" the best ever.

Between the generous and delicious portions, the wine tasting the ample seating the great service, and fabulous Flathead fall evening (which we guess no one can take credit for) it has truly become the social and culinary event of the year! We can hardly wait until next year.

Michael and Ann Viscomi

Whitefish

Noisy roots

Thank you, Dave Skinner, for your letter concerning the train whistle. Let's not forget Whitefish's roots — this was a railroad town — in this centennial year.

We should be celebrating the railroad and what it brought to this area — not eliminating its sound.

Let those who want to disregard our humble beginnings pay for the expensive changes themselves.

Nancy Allan-Ortman

Whitefish