Kalinyaprak, Lies contend for Polson Ward 2 seat

POLSON — Candidates for four-year terms in Ward 2 are Murat Kalinyaprak and incumbent Michael Lies.
Kalinyaprak, a computer consultant, has lived in Polson for 17 years. Kalinyaprak said the top three issues that should be addressed by city government are:
1. Open government: “City shouldn’t hide anything from public. It should do better than providing information only if requested, by volunteering complete and uncensored information.
Kalinyaprak continued, “Citizen participation in government should be encouraged without restrictions like arbitrary time limits and disallowing questions during meetings.”

“City business should be conducted openly during commission meetings.” Kalinyaprak said, “Commissioners shouldn’t come already decided just to vote but should hear and heed public opinion before making decisions. City shouldn’t tolerate any civil rights violations or acts of disrespect towards any citizens by city officials and employees.”
2. Frugal finances: Kalinyaprak said, “City needs to manage public assets such as the golf course for the greatest good of the greatest number of citizens. It shouldn’t acquire assets at above market prices or sell public assets for below their values, without proper appraisals and open bidding process.”
“Municipalities exist to provide utilities, services and security to its citizens, at affordable costs,” Kalinyaprak added. “City shouldn’t raise utility fees, give raises to its employees or otherwise indulge in wasteful spending in a manner out of touch with our current economic realities.”

3. Responsible legislation: Kalinyaprak said, “City government shouldn’t put on the ballot whatever questions it pleases, just because it can. The proposed resort tax is an example of such an abuse of power.”
“If citizens want a resort tax,” Kalinyaprak said, “They can put it on the ballot themselves, collecting signatures from the electorate, rather than having it shoved down their throats by city commissioners.
Kalinyaprak went on to say, “When Polson first applied for resort designation, it was denied. Designation was granted only after the mayor’s objection and based on a fundamentally flawed, invalid analysis done for the second time.”
“Resort taxes are very regressive because people pay and benefit from them erratically and disproportionately,” Kalinyaprak said. “For example, take the 20 percent property tax relief that the city uses as a carrot to promote the resort tax. If the city collects $300,000-$600,000 as estimated, a family owning a $100,000 house will only save $13 to $26 but will end up paying much more in resort taxes on everything from movies to pizza.”
Kalinyaprak added, “Even worse, 46 percent of Polson citizens who are renters won’t get anything from property tax relief but will pay resort taxes every time they buy coffee or rent videos. The most unfair thing is that a few multi-million-dollar property owners, often corporations, will benefit most from property tax relief while being least effected by resort taxes.”
It won’t be fair for businesses who will collect taxes either, Kalinyaprak said. After selling 1,500 donuts to make $1,000, a shop will recover only $1.50 for administrative costs. Polson being in a reservation, things will get even more complicated and unfair with Tribal members and Tribal businesses being exempt.
Add to all of the above a whole new costly bureaucracy needed to enforce rules, audit books, catch cheaters, form committees to spend the money, etc.
“One has to wonder ‘who put such an insane proposition on the ballot and why?’” Kalinyaprak said. Michael Lies
Michael and Jean Lies moved to Polson 43 years ago this past June. Mike had accepted the science teaching position at Polson High School. Both of the Lies’ sons graduated from Polson High School and have gone on to their chosen professions. Mike and Jean have been active in the community belonging to several different organizations as well as volunteering, when needed, for various organizations in Polson. Mike served the city of Polson as a commissioner for two and a half terms and as mayor for one term.

Lies said, “At the present time the three major items that the city should be considering are as follows: first, we should be planning for the revamping and improving of our sewer system. Each year the demands and requirements for our present system are increasing. We need a system that is more efficient to take care of the growth as well as meeting the requirement of DEQ. This project requires planning ahead, as we did the last time, and trying to obtain the necessary grants that are available to cities. We also will have to save as much money as possible thus increasing our capital sewer fund. With careful planning, this project can be achieved with little or no increase in sewer rates.”
“The second item,” Lies said, “would be the many streets in our city that need replacement and repairs. With present property taxes and gas tax monies we receive each year, the city cannot build new streets but only keep on repairing them as we have been doing for years. We can apply for grants, which are difficult to obtain for streets. One way to build new streets is create an SID to repair or build new streets, which must be approved by the citizens of Polson. Another way would be to use the resort tax monies if this is passed by the citizens of Polson.”
“The third item would be to improve city government and make it more responsive and transparent to the residents of the city,” Lies said. “I feel we have made an effort the last several years to improve the functions of city government. There are other improvements that can be made. Under the direction and cooperation of our city manager, the daily functions of the city will improve.”