Letters to editor Oct. 30
Observation vs accusation
It seems the political climate has degraded to sound bites of accusations. I’ve seen the accusations of Doug Adams, running for State Senate District 2, as being incompetent, not able to work with others, even how extreme he is. I’ve known Doug for over 9 years, if he possesses these qualities, then how has he grown a landscaping business to one of the top in the Valley, and how has he also grown a vacation rental business from nothing, in his barn, to one of the valley’s highest rated vacation rentals. These businesses are driven by consumer satisfaction and the ability to meet others’ needs.
My observation: he is competent, way better than most, he has the ability to work with people even when he disagrees. I’m not sure why a man with two successful businesses, an active family life and extremely involved in his community would subject himself to the political process. I do know Doug cares for people and the quality of life of the people around him. I have observed Doug’s concern for the over-reach of government, it's out of control spending and the rising taxes that affect every household. I have also observed something unique that Doug brings to politics, it is called dialogue. How many candidates sit down for a private lunch with their opponents to talk about the issues and to get to know the person better? Doug has, it’s how he operates - face to face talking it out. Doug Adams will represent us well.
Chris Baker, Columbia Falls
Send Dave to the Senate
I had the honor of representing the good people of Whitefish in both houses of the legislature for a combined total of 26 years. The job is one I loved, but even in a simpler time, it posed its challenges.
The details of school finance presented a puzzle that still is not solved, and probably won’t be in a state as large and diverse as ours. With his extensive background as a locally elected school trustee, combined with hands-on experience in budgeting and bonding and problem solving, Rep. Dave Fern. Is clearly one of the most knowledgeable and respected legislators in this vital but bewilderingly complicated field.
Dave is also a perfect example of a “public servant,” always open to citizen’s questions and suggestions. There has been no better legislator from Northwestern Montana in the fifty-year span that I’m personally aware of. And that includes me. We should send Dave Fern to the State Senate. I whole heartedly commend him to you.
Bob Brown, Whitefish
Take our future seriously
I really like Lindsey Jordan. She’s running to replace Dave Fern as the Montana State Representative for House District 4. She’s smart, opinionated, funny and emotionally intelligent. She would be a pleasure to work with if elected to our state legislature. Please vote for her. Debo Powers is running in House District 3 and is another great candidate. I first met her on the board of the local Montana Wilderness Association. She is very strong on protecting public lands and public education issues. Dave Fern is running for the Montana State Senate and is very skilled in taxation, education, and more recently housing solutions. All three candidates would make excellent partners with the cities of Whitefish and Columbia Falls in representing the true needs of our growing communities. Please vote for Jordan, Fern and Powers to give us an opportunity for functional, serious, and effective leadership at the local and state levels. We need people who take our future seriously in those roles and all three are capable and competent leaders. And for those still undecided-Senator Tester and his staff reach out regularly to listen to the needs of our city-please reelect him. He truly is the best Senator in the nation.
Rebecca Norton, Whitefish