Another reason to just say NO!
The drug situation in our valley and especially in our schools is a growing concern and is intolerable to me and I am sure to many other parents.
So, as a concerned parent of Charlo High School and elementary school students, I am attempting to work with the Charlo School Board to get a drug testing policy instituted for all extra-curricular activities.
Some will argue that this is an invasion of privacy. Others will say, "it's not fair to punish the non-drug users because of a few users." Neither of these are my reasoning for working on this. It is my goal to give our students who might be tempted to try drugs "One more reason to just say NO!" It is also my goal to protect our younger students by keeping drugs out of our schools and away from our sporting activities.
A drug testing policy can be set up in such a way that it is fair to all students by being administered at the start of each season/activity to each participant and then random tests being done throughout the season's duration. The school is not involved in choosing the participants being randomly chosen to be tested — this is done by a company that the school contracts with. In that way there can be no complaints from student or parents of unfair practices. There are three different types of drug tests that can be done and the cost is actually very low, especially in comparison to having the drugs in our schools. Charlo school is currently the recipient of a grant to help keep it a drug free school and in the next funding cycle could request the funds specifically for drug testing.
There are many schools in Montana that currently have a drug testing policy in place and in my research I have spoken to the athletic directors of some of these schools. All of them claim that, since instituting their policies, they have had far fewer problems with drugs in their schools. These ADs have also stated that neither the students nor the parents have any problems with the testing.
At the January school board meeting, I was told that in order to have this considered I had to gain public support, so I will be putting out petitions for signatures in the Charlo/Dixon area. It is my hope that there are enough concerned parents, teachers, grandparents, students and community members to make this a reality.
Let's band together to give our students "One more reason to just say NO!" and to protect our younger children from ever trying drugs.
Anyone who is interested in working on this or commenting please feel free to call me at 644-4617 or e-mail me at tjdalke@montana.com (if you e-mail please put drug policy in the subject line).
Sincerely,
Tracy Robinson Dalke
Charlo
Delegates' votes should go to Paul
Ron Paul did great in Montana. Romney drops out. McCain gets delegates. Where is the fairness in that?
Ron Paul took second in Montana caucus, he should be the next winner in Montana. This is a very messed up presidential campaign. Voters get their opinion taken away because of the caucus.
The president represents all the people of America. The choice for the president should be chosen by the people, only the people, not the Republicans, not the Democrats, not the House, not the Electoral college.
Delegates from the states for Republicans should go to whomever won them, like the Democrats do.
You win the state, you win all the delegates. That is outright wrong — how can that possibly be legal or fair? But then again, how is a caucus legal when it takes our voting rights away? They should be divided to whomever won them.
Will there ever be a time when our country works together to make this country better, or will we always have Republicans and Democrats fighting with each other, instead of working together to help our country?
We all need to think of the people of America, make this a better place to live in, take care of our people, not all the other countries, we need help here. If you are a supporter of Ron Paul, please vote for him on June 3. Show the Republicans that Ron Paul is your choice for Montana.
For more information call 1-877-RonPaul (766-7285) or go to www.RonPaul2008.com
Kelly Bailey
Polson
Main Street improvements favored
As a Mission Valley citizen, I chose the option of shopping locally whenever possible. That shopping includes mad dashes for clothes and shoes on Main Street, in Polson, prior to departing for out-of-state appointments.
These purchases are quality and have stood me well, for Montana and my recent writing contract in Texas.
I've heard commercial development is planned for both ends of Polson. These developments will include boutiques. Boutiques typically include upscale women's clothing and shoe stores.
I also understand the Main Street property owners have the chance to enhance the collective historical value of the downtown area, by choosing to participate in the Special Improvement District (SID). The supporters of the SID have identified five tasks for the downtown area. They are:
? New sidewalks, curbs and gutters,
? Pedestrian-friendly street furnishings,
? New "dark-sky" street lights,
? Improve storm water drainage,
? Repave Main Street;
The Special Improvement District needs commitment from the downtown property owners to pay a monthly fee estimated to range from $61 to $76 a month for a 15-year period of time. Grants and pledges will make up a significant amount of the cost. Grants are available from government sources, with the objective of improved economic development in small towns. Funding from other granting agencies may augment the cost of providing ADA compliant sidewalks and gutters. Pledges from individuals and groups will contribute as well.
I am just a citizen; but a citizen who appreciates the hometown feel and friendliness of Polson. I have been in places where the "big boys" come to town and divide and conquer.
My sincere hope is to see an improved Main Street in Polson, and continued growth and prosperity for all, and a focused cohesive group presenting to all part of the wonderfulness that is Polson.
Debbie Melton Johnson
Polson