I support Jack Fallon as Flathead County Commissioner. He was President of the Evergreen Fire District, where he worked successfully to build a new fire station. As President and member of the Evergreen Water and Sewer Board, he rallied grassroots support for a new sewage collection system. He was vice chairman of the school board for District Five, where he currently serves as chairman of the finance committee and technology committee. With a successful career in finance, as well as tax and managerial skills, he has the experience, people skills and credentials the Commission requires.
Jack knows the importance of open discussion. He researches an issue before making a decision and will not make board appointments without input from a variety of sources. He believes in compromise and listens to multiple viewpoints before making a decision. He believes in transparency and courtesy. He treats everyone with respect. He believes in the importance of recovery, as evidenced by his lifelong support of youth football and hockey. He is also a tax conservative.
Over the past few years, Pam Holmquist and her colleagues have made some disastrous decisions. They illegally sanctioned the Bridge to Nowhere, sanctioned the resort at Lake Five and issued a controversial permit for a water bottling plant that has cost the county and individuals thousands of dollars in litigation. Their appointments to the library and health authorities have created chaos, distrust and resignation. Although Flathead County has the fastest growing population in Montana, the commissioners have failed to establish and administer an adequate budget. They turned down requests for more sheriff’s deputies and turned down $500,000 a year from state-provided recreational and medicinal cannabis proceeds. They rejected a trail plan despite overwhelming community support.
We need new leadership to build a new county jail, fund the sheriff’s department, maintain our roads, support a trail system, and address affordable housing issues. It’s time for a change. Jack Fallon has the expertise and personal strength to make change happen.
Carol Santa
Kalispel
