Daines endorsement

Far away from the Beltway Bubble of Washington D.C., county government is on the frontline of every issue facing policy makers and our communities. Thats why we need local elected officials with the knowledge and know-how to serve their constituents.

For nearly a decade, Ive had the pleasure of working with Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist on important Montana issues ranging from forestry and land management to job creation. Ive sat with her in meetings on Capitol Hill advocating for the Kalispell Bypass project. Weve had important discussions at mills and manufacturing facilities in the Flathead Valley about increasing high paying job opportunities for Montanans.

Working on behalf of a county that is more than 70% federal land, Pam has been a constant voice for commonsense forestry and land management policies. She understands that commonsense management enhances our public lands, lowers the risk of catastrophic wildfires and helps sustain Montana timber jobs.

Pam also has unmatched knowledge of the ins and outs and intricacies of county government, which has proved vital as she advocates for Flathead County on the state and national levels. Shell continue working to protect private property rights, deliver critical public services and keep the county on a strong fiscal track.

I have always appreciated Pams kindness, candor and honesty in discussions.

Pam Holmquist is a strong advocate for the Flathead and a top-notch public servant. She has my full support.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, Bozeman

Its election season, also known as the season of misleading information. A prime example is what appears to be Montana Democrats main talking point on legislative races: If the Republicans can flip just two more legislative seats, theyre coming after the constitution.

What the Democrats fail to mention is that the Legislature cannot change Montanas Constitution. It says right there in the constitution that any proposed amendments have to be voted on by Montana voters. At most, the Legislature can propose amendments for the voters to decide. A good example of that is the proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot this year to safeguard our privacy in the digital age. Republicans passed it in the Legislature over the objections of more than 20 House Democrats. Now, voters will get to decide whether the government is required to get a warrant before accessing our election communications.

Despite the Democrats fear mongering about make believe threats to constitutional rights, I dont see voters approving changes to reduce or eliminate freedom of speech, personal privacy, tribal sovereignty, religious freedom, public education, a clean environment, civil rights, the right to bear arms, hunting and fishing rights, or public access rights, among others. Nor do I see Republicans proposing any radical changes like that.

What Montana Democrats are really saying is that they dont trust Montana voters. Montana Democrats believe the government knows what is best for you and they dont trust you to update our constitution if thats what you want to do, whether regarding digital privacy or any other topic.

The Montana Democrats are spinning lies and nonsense because they know Montana does not support their far left liberal agenda of pushing woke policies destroying our families, culture, and schools. Montana doesnt support their agenda promoting soft on crime policies, open borders bringing in dangerous drugs, and destroying our energy and natural resources economy while supporting OPEC oil and overseas mining employing child labor, not to mention Bidens reckless spending and inflation.

With an unpopular agenda like that, I guess Im not surprised Montana Democrats have resorted to trying to mislead Montanans about our own constitution. This November, remember, only you can change Montanas constitution. But Montana Democrats will implement reckless policies if you vote for their candidates.

Vote Republican for common sense solutions.

State Sen. Greg Hertz, Polson

This year Montanans are facing the most critical general election in recent history with results that will have significant impacts on future generations.

We Montana citizens, no matter the party affiliation, have certain, unimpeachable duties which must be performed intelligently and with empathy. We are instructed in Isaiah chapter 1 verse 17: Learn to do good, make justice your aim; redress the wronged, hear the orphans plea, defend the widow.

Learn to do good, make justice your aim. We are urged by these words to be open minded, to do our homework and then make a judgment as to whom will best be of service to our community, to future generations and who will best represent us with their experience, qualifications and most importantly, their character. We will then exercise our right to vote and elect with certification. Our choices start with the election for Justice of the Supreme Court, our United States Representative and for our local district representatives. Make justice your aim and do your very best.

Michael L. McKenna, Bozeman

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Letters to the editor Oct. 17 - Daily Inter Lake