Letters to the editor

State employees' pay

Excess funds discovered by the Schweitzer administration should be spent in one of two ways: 1) to replace money borrowed from the state pension system, or 2) to honor the request of state workers who have proposed a reasonable pay increase that would bring their wages to 100 percent of market over a five-year period. Any other action would be slap in the face of state employees who for nearly two decades have seen their wages drop behind those of their equals in the private sector.

Many positions that are vacated by professionals in state government go unfilled for months, or not at all.

These empty positions put greater burden on the remaining workers. You can imagine what that means in terms of mistakes and oversights in the service to the people of Montana.

These workers who are doing their jobs and part or all of another's get a double slap in the face knowing that their wages remain below their peers' wages in the private sector. "Thank yous" and "attaboys" ring quite hollow when their boss, the governor, wants to give their incomes to the public whom state employees work diligently to serve.

Martin Holt

576 Third Street

Support bike trail

There has been controversy lately over the use of old railroad line from Helena to Great Falls. Bicyclists say it should be for a 90-mile ride, but some of those living along the way say no as they don't want any added disturbance.

I say there can't be too many people to begin with as it requires too much effort to pedal. the bicycle is noiseless machine and can't add to the decibels already there from the nearby Interstate and the Missouri with its jet skis and motor boats and of course the ATV tearing up the nearby hillsides.

Added trash should not be a problem either as a bicycle can't carry too much and besides anyone working hard to get somewhere isn't of the mentality to be garbage hounds.

So I'm on the right track saying this route should be for bicycle use, but I'm still aware that some folk would like to get at least a part of the rail line for themselves and lace it with barbed wire to assure dominion, closing it to public access.

Gordon Thompson

1027 N. Jackson

A dumb defense

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., must think Montanans are stupid. How else can we interpret his recent defense of the war in Iraq in an interview with Lee newspapers. He said: "What is the mission in Iraq? It is to make something positive happen in Iraq, or keeping something from happening there or somewhere else." Or something. Whatever. He then fell back on blaming Clinton for "something," it's not clear what. The fact is that the Bush policy in Iraq is a failure, and "me too" congressmen like Rep. Rehberg who mindlessly and blindly follow their inept leader are in part to blame. He doesn't deserve another term representing Montana.

Kim Wilson

401 North Last Chance Gulch

Raise minimum wage

We are fortunate as Montanans to have a public servant who is a gentleman and a thoughtful politician. John Bohlinger, our lieutenant governor, recently spoke at our Montana Noon Kiwanis meeting. Before the meeting began he went from table to table extending a sincere and warm handshake. During his remarks he spoke of humble upbringing, military service and business background. Absent pretentiousness or self praise, he explained his views clearly and succinctly. A small businessman his entire life, he knows the importance of bottom lines. Yet, being a decent and caring person, he recognizes that it is our moral obligation to raise the minimum wage. He spoke without hesitation or reservation about this issue.

This fall we will have many critical votes at the ballot box. If we truly love and care ab out our Montana neighbors we will vote to give our lowest income workers a fighting chance to make ends meet. You can bet any extra money they receive will be spent in Montana's businesses and to pay for rent or gas. Your vote to "Raise Montana" is vital. Please tell your neighbors you plan to vote for this important initiative and then do the right thing and vote for it.

Rick Pyfer

534 Diehl

Same old story

Some time ago I read in your newspaper about the Chamber of Commerce opposing the minimum wage increase. It was the same worn out story about layoffs, loss of jobs, etc.

Well, the sad truth is that the more money the workers would make, the more they would spend, making it a win-win situation for both the business and the worker.

Come next election, I hope and pray the voters will tell the Chamber of Commerce to take a long walk on a short pier.

Russell L. Myers

2835 Fisher Lane

East Helena

Benefit a success

To the citizens of Helena:

The Helena Moose Lodge 639 and the Women of the Moose Chapter 906 would like to thank all who attended our fried turkey dinner to benefit the Liberty House located at the VA Center at Fort Harrison. The weather did not cooperate for the evening but we had a very successful benefit anyway. Again, thanks to all of you who helped make it so successful.

A special thank you goes to the merchants who donated so generously. They include: Overland Express, Montana City Grill, Papa Ray's Casino, Nickel's Gaming Parlour, Morey's Gifts, Motherlode Casino, Van's Thriftway, Sandy Mac's Distributing, Gusto Distributing, Montana Propane, and Cherry Creek Broadcasting. And of course, thanks to our members who donated in so many ways to help with this benefit, thank you.

Again, thanks Helena.

Glenda Craft, Senior Regent Pro Tem, Women of the Moose Chapter 906

Rich Levandowski, Governor, Helena Moose Lodge 639

Babe Ruth volunteers

I am writing this letter to share some news about Helena Babe Ruth Baseball in 2007 and to let you know that Helena Babe Ruth Baseball Association relies on people like me and you to make Babe Ruth baseball happen in Helena.

As the board wraps up 2006 and plans for 2007, we are looking for help and input from Helena Babe Ruth Baseball families. We are seeking new board members and committee chairs and members in the following areas: coaches, fields and grounds, rules, tournaments, fund raising, publicity, sponsors, audit, all-stars, concessions, registration and administration, umpires and vendors.

I urge you to contact me or any other board member about where you best fit into our organization.

The board is discussing a number of changes for 2007 that we hope will stabilize our financial situation, encourage timely registration of players to make coach and team selection better, and improve our regular and rookie season schedule. We welcome all constructive input.

Please feel free to contact me by e-mail (info@helenababeruth.com) about how you will help make Babe Ruth baseball better in Helena in 2007 or if you have any questions or comments about Helena Babe Ruth Baseball.

Merwin Barrows

Helena Babe Ruth Baseball Association Secretary

6171 Lazy Man Gulch

SNIPers were busy

Well, the Helena SNIP (spay neuter) commitee did it again. Last weekend at the fairgrounds they took in hundreds of cats and dogs from local folks that have either heard about SNIP or finally decided they do not want all the kittens and puppies to be disposed of or tossed out on the street. Every year it seems to draw more and more people and their pets.

It takes alot of time and organization to put one of these programs together needing volunteers, funding, and making appointments for every person who calls. And I for one am hoping for a day when they can take in only a few strays and our community does not have to be concerned about all the extra animals running around our neighborhood. Many, many thanks for all your hard work.

Gordon Flanders

Assistant Professor of Business

Carroll College

Facts don't change

Karl Ohs, Republican State Party Chair, thinks the Montana Democratic Party should fire its director for statements on a political issue. His public statement on the investigation of Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., over dealings with Jack Abramoff firmed up Jim's security in his position, I think! Karl's comments did the same, I think!

I don't care if Conrad Burns is a "subject, target" or in some other category, I don't think Karl, Bob Keenan, Karl Rove, or others can influence this matter of Conrad's dealings with Abramoff. It is a fact that Conrad had such dealings to the tune of $150,000 at least. If that was a legal amount, why was it refunded?

It is public record that the Senate Select Committee on Ethics "decided not to take action on the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal" last July. Burns had "asked the committee for a letter clearing him of wrongdoing. The Committee refused the request because of a Justice Department investigation," according to Alexander Bolton in the Aug. 2, 2006 issue of "The Hill." Although I am not on the state executive board of the Montana Democrat Party, I think I will suggest we extend our agreement with Jim Farrell, not fire him.

Ray Peck, Ed.D.

2412 Columbia Avenue

Snow worries

With winter just around the corner, I'm curious to find out if the city street department has plans to actually clear all of the "emergency snow routes" this coming winter. Is there a maximum number of hours that the snow crews have to clear the emergency snow routes? There are several intersections in the area around St. Peter's which could stand some sand or deicer -- Broadway and California, Broadway from Saddle to Colonial, Winnie and Colonial. It gets pretty interesting trying to stop or accend. These are just the areas I commute upon, so I'm sure there are other locations in Helena which could receive better winter maintenance.

Steven Lodahl

2553 Southridge

Bush was right

Remember the laughter and derision heaped on President Bush a couple of years ago when he identified the "Axis of Evil" as Iraq, North Vietnam and Iran? As each day goes by, we see evidence of just how right he was. Iran's President Ahmadinejad gave a speech at the United Nations this week.

As expected, it was shrill, accusatory and scornful of the West. What hasn't been reported was that he ended it with a long prayer, exhorting all infidels to accept Allah. Why? It's a warning.

Muslims believe in a mystical 12th Imam, who disappeared over ten centuries ago. His reappearance would bring Armageddon, the end of the world. Ahmadinejad recently told his cabinet that he believes this figure will return within the next two years. Have you figured it out yet? The Iranians are enriching uranium in order to develop -- AND USE -- nuclear weapons. We have a few choices here. Whistle in the graveyard, stick our heads in the sand until it melts around us, or elect people from a political party who understand the danger and can take steps to protect us. Based on what I've seen, that party's name doesn't start with a "D."

Bruce Supalla

20 Sweetgrass Road

Without running water

I live in Jefferson County close to Montana City in a development called Stoney Brook Village. My husband and I have been living in a brand new condo for the past month without running water. I understand the issue behind our unit not having water, but the wheels of justice move slowly. I have exhausted my own problem solving skills in trying to get this resolved. Somehow it just felt good today to write about our situation. My husband is having surgery next week and I will be caring for him here without running water. I have it figured out, but it seems pretty stressful. Thanks for taking the time to read my letter.

Janet Speirer

Montana City

Help the bison

The number of bison in Yellowstone National Park plummeted by over 1,000 during last winter. A majority of the deaths were a result of the National Park Service, USFS, Department of Livestock, Fish Wildlife and Parks, and APHIS's Bison Management Plan. The National Park Service with the help of Homeland Security slaughtered over 900, and sent 87 calves to a quarantine facility, where they will never return to the Park. Fifty-one of the 100 held in quarantine have already been killed. If that doesn't disturb you enough, three more bison got sent to slaughter this morning. These bison, the last wild, genetically pure bison in the lower 48 states, need our help. Bison don't understand invisible boundaries, they are doing what all animals do, looking for food. They don't realize that the moment they step over the Yellowstone Park boundary, where the snow will not be so deep, they are not welcome to graze. Native to this land they are a benefit to the earth, and a treasure to behold. It is a national tragedy that our government is slaughtering them instead of recognizing them for the sacred birthright they are to this nation. Speak out for those who cannot speak.

Jennifer Nitz

802 E Front

Missoula

Pride vs. shame

My parents, along with most Montanans, gave me the tremendous legacy of having Mike Mansfield as our U.S. Senator. Although he was born in New York City in the year 1903, his family moved to Great Falls, Montana in 1906. Since he was only three at the time, and was educated in the Montana school system, I would consider him a Montana NATIVE.

Mr. Mansfield was our Senator from 1953 to 1976, an ambassador to Japan from 1977 to 1988, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1989. He brought PRIDE to Montana, pride to being a Montanan. Whenever his name was spoken on the national news, it was something to be PROUD about.

Now it's my turn to leave a legacy of senatorial pride for my two children. Do I vote for a third-generation Montanan who shares my values and has a transparent, squeaky-clean persona (Jon Tester)?

Or do I vote for a Missouri transplant with greasy wheels, whose name is associated with crooked lobbyists and brings SHAME to me as a Montanan whenever his name is spoken on the national news (Conrad Burns)?

Tester versus Burns. Hummmm. A real no-brainer.

Brenda J. (Rasmussen) Anderson

350 Springfield Drive