Opinion
A recent University of Montana survey confirms what legislators have been hearing from our constituents: Montanans are seriously concerned about several issues that they say are negatively impacting quality of life. Among the findings, 90% think that urban sprawl eating up open lands is a problem, 84% are worried about Montana’s changing character, and 78% think outdoor recreation is becoming overcrowded. The 2023 Legislature passed legislation to take steps at addressing all of those issues, some of which is now in effect and some of which is currently being held up in court. On the outdoor recreation front, the Legislature passed House Bill 846 to preserve Montanan...
Life is complicated. I think we can all agree to that. But beyond life - well, lots of the details are complicated. Relationships. Families. Love. Deciding on the right toothpaste. Which properties to buy in Monopoly. Choosing between The Voice or American Idol. Survivor or The Bachelor. Texas Hold&...
Editor, This spring, Western Montana faces a contested Democratic primary election for Senate District 46–a new legislative district that links together urban and rural communities in Missoula, Sanders, and Lake counties. SD 46 includes the southern half of the Flathead Reservation and has one of th...
Editor, I am excited to support Jacinda Morigeau for Senate District 46. As an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Morigeau is committed to fighting for everyday Montanans. She grew up in Arlee, attended K-12 schools there and is dedicated to her community and Western ...
Editor, The Flathead Valley Citizens’ Climate Lobby Earth Day Expo team would like to thank the Flathead Valley community for making this year’s event a success. Through the support of the whole community we gathered for hands-on learning and conversations on nurturing our environment and stre...
Montana courts are the target of criticism from the political fringes. Recently it has ramped up. Don’t buy it, and I want to explain why. For what it’s worth, here are my thoughts as a lawyer who practices in courtrooms across Montana. Our Montana courts are in great hands. Montana does...
Editor, In 1948 Israel was recognized as their own state. Immediately the Arab nations attack them. With the Lord’s help, Israel won. According to the rules of war, Israel now owns these lands, but let the people stay. Then Hamas moves into Gaza. You’re telling me the people living in...
We Montanans are passionate about wildlife. Doesn’t matter whether you hunt them, photograph them, hike to where you need binoculars just to see them as teeny dots, or just want to know they’re there - our home is special in large part because we share it with cool critters. We’ve heard ...
Walking home one evening, I came to an intersection. A family and a couple were waiting for the light, the family bantering about crossing against the light. “My knees won’t let me go that fast!” the grandma warned. “Ma’am, I’m with you!” the man from the couple c...
Yesterday the TV was playing in the background and I thought I heard Homer Simpson say one of what I thought was the most prolific quotes of all time. “Why can’t all hills go down?” This gave me cause to pause. Homer certainly has a point. Why do hills have to go up? Doesn’t tha...
