Letters

Editor, This letter supports Dr. Shannon O’Brien for Montana State Superintendent of Schools. The Office of Public Instruction needs leadership that brings change that supports students and teachers in Montana’s schools. Current Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and her former Chief Deputy Susie Hedalan implemented policies that decimated the Office of Public Instruction and failed our students and teachers. Susie Hedalan, now Shannon’s opponent, promises to continue these policies. Montana’s schools cannot afford this.  More than half our students are not proficient in math and reading. Montana’s teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation. There&rs...

Editor, When someone tells you who they are, believe them.  Tim Sheehy joked about one of his experiences as, “a great way to bond with all the Indians while they’re drunk at 8 a.m.” or throwing beer cans at cultural events. He then repeated his racist remarks to other audiences ...

Editor, Woo-hoo! It’s football season in Montana! So much excitement for all the players, schools and towns of all sizes. But I have always felt a sense of dread come the fall knowing there may be another young football player who suffers a traumatic brain injury and a screwed up life from playing f...

Editor, My experiences hiking and backpacking with Shirley Azzopardi illuminated qualities that will benefit House District 13.  Her commitment to the outdoors mirrors her approach to politics, showcasing perseverance, planning and a collaborative spirit. Shirley Azzopardi’s perseverance on ...

Editor, One of my favorite tropes is “Republicans fall in line and Democrats fall in love.” Don Kaltschmidt, Montana Republican Party Chair, in his Missoulian newspaper opinions regularly berates Republicans like Mark Racicot for “not falling in line.” Republicans call these people...

Editor, My experiences hiking and backpacking with Shirley Azzopardi illuminated qualities that will benefit House District 13.  Her commitment to the outdoors mirrors her approach to politics, showcasing perseverance, planning and a collaborative spirit. Shirley Azzopardi’s perseverance on ...

Editor, Shirley Azzopardi is the best candidate for Montana’s House District 13. As a longtime local educator (30 years as a special education teacher with 28 of those years in St. Ignatius, and currently the mental health coordinator for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Early Chil...

Editor, During these times of great stress and confusion, we are hearing and seeing much fear and hate being demonstrated. My spiritual teachings have taught me that each one of us has within us the power of God’s love available for access and action. When a situation presents itself to me where ...

Editor, I am pleased to voice my strong support for incumbent Linda Reksten for re-election to the Montana House of Representatives. Linda has proven to be a strong voice supporting her constituents. She has shown that she doesn’t live in the world of sound bites. Linda does the work and research...

Editor, Many Montanans will receive a property tax rebate of up to $675 after the sticker shock of this year’s increase in property taxes. This is a one-time  solution to an ongoing problem in Montana - inequitable tax rates. As a result, an increasing percentage of the state’s revenue...