Letters to the editor Sept. 21

Flawed ordinance

In regards to the flawed mobile home ordinances, myself and other townspeople began showing folks the poorly written ordinances and offering a petition to get rid of these poorly written ordinances. More than 95% of the people that I spoke with agreed that they are so poorly written that they need to go away.

In my case only five people refused to sign the petition, two of these people live in older mobile homes and were concerned about putting their names on a list; two of those people stood tall and said mobile homes and land values just don’t go together.

When I spoke with a couple of our council persons, my first question was “What is the reason for this group of ordinances? They seemed puzzled. They really had no good answer - things like “other cities had them,” and so on. Keep in mind Plains is not yet even a city. We are still a wonderful little semi-rural sort of a farm town. When I got down to brass tacks, it came down to “property values”

What have we come to? A few dollars more of property values, or a decent home for a family to live in? Oddly enough you can move an older container van into town, or build a wooden shack and it can be your home. What the hey is going on?

So many people were concerned about their names being on a list, so we stopped doing the petition, but I assure you, people agree. Any literate person would “should” agree that this ordinance is seriously flawed. If a new ordinance is needed, adopt it, put your names on it.

Mr. Mayor, Council persons, remember you work for the people of our little Town of Plains.

— Patrick Killgore, Plains

Deep gratitude

On July 31, I tripped on my door jam, catapulted over three steps, and landed on a concrete patio, inflicting multiple fractures to my pelvis. After receiving excellent stabilizing care at Missoula’s St Patrick Hospital, I was placed at Mineral County Hospital in Superior for rehabilitation.

I was in despair when I arrived, but when the doors slid open and I heard laughter in the brightly illuminated entryway I began to feel more relaxed and positive about my situation. I was met with cheerful, confident professionals who helped settle me into my hospital room. Although it was a busy medical center, someone was always quickly there when I summoned them with my trusty button throughout both the days and nights.

I started physical therapy the same day I arrived, and I was encouraged to push through my fear of pain to start the arduous journey to recovery. Everyone there, from the management staff, doctors, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurses aides, custodians and cooks cheered me on. This was so infectious that my confidence started to soar. I stayed for three weeks receiving the most amazing care.

It was bittersweet to leave these wonderful people and the magical place they had created. I am profoundly grateful for the care and friendships I received at Mineral County Hospital.

— Elizabeth Kaparich, Missoula

Faith in Montanans

On Sept. 3, my husband and I were visiting my brother, Denley Loge. We attended the Sanders County Fair together and purchased tickets for the rodeo, had a bite to eat at the picnic table area and left to return that evening for the rodeo.

I discovered later on the way home that I had left my fanny pack on the picnic table. We returned, but the fanny pack was gone.

I checked with the fair office and the first aid office along with individuals around the picnic tables. The fanny pack was gone.

Later that evening we discovered someone had brought the missing fanny pack to the fair office. Hailey and all the office people were a huge help! Everything was in the fanny pack (money, credit cards, Rodeo tickets and check book).

We appreciate the honest person who faithfully returned my fanny pack and everything in it. Our faith in Montanans was once again demonstrated.

— Nola Smith, Arlington, Washington

Re-elect Gustafson

Many people want a pet judge — obedient to their interests and unable to think independently. Ingrid Gustafson is no one’s pet.

I’ve been a Montana state district judge twice — first in the 4th Judicial District (now Missoula and Mineral counties) from 1978 until 1989, recently in the 19th Judicial District (Lincoln County) from 2011 until 2017. I’ve seen Justice Gustafson’s work—read her opinions and listened to her discussions at judicial conferences. I know that she follows and interprets the law reasonably and intelligently. She doesn’t play favorites. She pays attention to the record. She is overwhelmingly honest. I’ve never seen anyone more suited for the bench, and few her equal.

Please vote to re-elect Ingrid Gustafson as a Justice on the Montana Supreme Court.

— Jim Wheelis, Missoula

Zinke and Trane

The race for Montana’s new U.S. House seat is critical to the future of our country. I know both candidates and have worked directly with both of them. I served in the Montana Senate with Commander Zinke and was on the Montana Public Service Commission when Ms. Tranel worked as counsel for the Montana Consumer Council.

In my experience there is a big contrast between the two. I saw Cmdr. Zinke work hard to represent the people of Montana. As for Ms. Tranel, I saw her do nothing but advocate for the green energy movement.

I for one look at the candidates’ records and not the headlines. Ms. Tranel wants a dangerously rapid elimination of traditional energy sources, leaving us reliant on wind and solar. Cmdr. Zinke on the other hand has always advocated for a balanced energy mix, using natural resources to ensure a baseload of power while supplementing with renewables.

Developing all energy sources benefit Montana by keeping prices stable and our economy strong. Forcing the elimination of traditional energy sources would leave us short of needed supply, just as California and Arizona are now.

As you prepare to choose the individual that will represent Montana on the national stage, please consider which direction do you want our nation and our state to go.

A vote for Cmdr. Ryan Zinke will be a vote for lower inflation, a strong economy, higher wage jobs and a future for our families.

— Bob Lake, Hamilton