Letters to the editor
Support MVA
On Tuesday, Aug. 9, the city planning board approved the special use permit submitted by Mission Valley Aquatics for the pool project. While I am ecstatic this permit passed and MVA can proceed with building, I am extremely disappointed in the board for tagging MVA with more costs than are necessary.
The unfortunate issue is that the city planning board is having MVA build a 26-ft easement road (1,450-ft-long) with curbs and gutters. MVA asked to just build an 18-ft road and ditches, knowing the developer must tear up the road for utilities and enhance it later as the subdivision grows. Is there any common sense in MVA creating a fancy 26-ft road that is going to be torn up in the long run? Plus, this 26-ft road will add considerable cost to the site development — approximately $225,000 more.
MVA is working hard to raise the $600,000 needed to complete the first phase of the aquatic center and this additional road cost is significant. With this additional cost, MVA is at risk of compromising the features of the aquatic center. The pool is being built despite lack of support from our community leaders.
As a concerned citizen, I ask Polson and the Mission Valley to speak out and support MVA as they proceed with appealing this decision. Write letters to your city council members in support of MVA’s appeal and find out when the next council meeting is on this topic and tell them your opinion in person. In the upcoming elections, use your vote to elect new, progressive thinkers to the city council and the city planning board.
I do sincerely thank Tim McGinnis, the only city planning board member that does support progress in our community.
Melinda Leas
Polson
Schoolhouse update
On Saturday, July 30 the Big Arm Association held its very successful annual Family Fun Day, we thank everyone who attended.
It was a very special joy to watch the kids play the carnival games and soak each other in the famous Water Wars as grownups ate lots of BBQ while some danced to great local music. Your generous support will allow us to complete more restoration work on the Big Arm Historic School, thank you.
This year, with the help from local businesses, we were able to complete a couple of major projects. Just days before the event, we laid a 20x30 foot concrete pad, graded the ground, and installed a 250-foot water line. All of which added tremendously to the success of the Family Fun Day and will improve future upcoming events.
In these tough economic times we truly appreciate and thank the local businesses that gave us such incredible support. Many thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to put on this fun community event, there are far too many of you to list, you are greatly appreciated!
The next Big Arm community events will be a giant yard sale and pancake breakfast on Aug. 20 followed on Sept. 3 by the fifth annual Barn Dance held at the historic school this year. For more information please call Alison at 849-6628.
Alison Meslin
Big Arm
A great loss
On July 22,2011, Tribal Officer Tim McLure passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52.
He was a fine officer who served diligently on the Flathead Reservation for over 30 years. Officer McLure put his life on the line, just like every single law enforcement officer does, while serving the public to keep us safe.
I was very disappointed in the lack of news coverage given to this fine officer. Not one single newspaper or TV station acknowledged the great loss felt by his passing.
What a grievous injustice to this man and his family.
Gloria Haynes
Arlee