Supports Johnson

This is in response to the letter written by Renay M. St. Rose in the Sept. 9 Whitefish Pilot regarding voting for Valarie Eve because she believes in the mediation program and would like to present the program to the citizens of Whitefish.

For years, Judge Brad Johnson has been recommending that plaintiffs make use of a private professional or a qualified volunteer mediator when a civil dispute is in need of a resolution. Volunteer mediators do not just operate out of Justice Court. This is not a novel concept that Eve is initiating in our city.

The mediation process can work in a civil action if the parties agree to the process, or if it is a pre-trial requirement of a particular court. The reason is to reduce the number of trials and to reduce the case load of a court. There is nothing unique or innovative about this process.

As to the promise of mediation — it does not ensure the parties will control the outcome of their case. The mediation process does not necessarily resolve disputes quickly. The mediation process is an alternative to a day in court. Sometimes it is successful, and sometimes it's frustrating.

It sounds like St. Rose has specific admiration for Eve, who is just one of many clerks who serve at Flathead County Justice Court. They are each expected to do their job in leading and assisting the volunteer mediators. And the mediators don't work for Eve but for the court of Judge David Ortley.

Her efforts are being applauded, but why? The mediation program is done as a matter of course in civil actions, and it is in each clerk's job description to do what is required by the judge. All the specific duties that she lauds Eve for doing, and the outstanding personal qualities that she seems impressed by, are nothing out of the ordinary for most court clerks.

Eve has intimated more than once that she is in charge of the mediation program. She is not. The judge and his chief clerk are. She exaggerated her credentials and accomplishments far too often.

Suzanne Varvel

Whitefish

Working together

Since I have announced my departure from Montana and the Whitefish community after more than 50 year as a member, citizen, dad and husband, I have been awash in complements and "don't leaves" for what "Carolee and I" accomplished in the community.

With Carolee's passing in January (damned cigarettes), I'd like to make a couple of remarks about the real reason behind our successes.

First, neither Carolee nor I accomplished anything for the community all by ourselves. We worked together with people from both within and outside our community.

The Winter Carnival, from the day I wrote the original outline for number one, was a compilation of examples of success by other communities nationwide, plus a number of "first-time ever" activities that we all dreamed up and executed as a team. Even now, hundreds make the carnival a success.

The same goes for my success as general manager of the Big Mountain Ski Resort. I learned how from Ed Schenek, and operated a highly successful and profitable corporate enterprise, the directions for which have been evidently forgotten by the managements which succeeded me.

Thirty-three years off and on, with everything from building and operating a sewage treatment plant, to working night and day with a crew who knew how to work snow, care for guests and promote the mountain into a nationally known and very well liked resort, made it a success in the eyes of the guests and visitors, as well as stockholders.

Whatever we've accomplished in the community has been accomplished by the people in and around the community, and not necessarily their money.

It's been a "gas," from Wednesday-night sailboat races and ski races to frigid outdoor swim meets which, thanks to the community, can be held indoors.

Without Carolee, I'll still be back for a visit now and then, but for our successes, don't give us all the credit — take some for yourselves.

Norm Kurtz

Anacortes, Wash.

Dogs looking good

Without a doubt, the Bulldogs are off to another great year. Our teams look to be very strong and determined to bring home Western "A" conference titles and maybe even contend for state titles.

The Bulldog extracurricular schedules are posted on the Web at www.wfps.k12.mt.us. Please join us all season long — we know you will be impressed.

Fall would not be the same without our Fall Kick-Off. The evening was a huge success. I would comment "better then usual," as our cheerleaders entertained us with song and dance.

The Whitefish Boosters once again showed their Bulldog spirit by providing us with a great barbecue. Coca-Cola also deserves a huge thanks, as they generously donated the cold beverages. The evening was a true demonstration of our community's pride and loyalty to the green and gold. Thank you.

The Whitefish Credit Union and the Whitefish Boosters hosted a tailgate party before Saturday's football game for the Whitefish and Havre fans. It set the table for an impressive victory over the defending state champions. Way to go, Bulldogs, we are proud of you.

Our appreciation goes out to Glacier Bank for their continuous generosity and financial assistance with the printing of our WHS activity cards. Stop by the high school main office and pick one up today.

Thanks once again for your constant support and community spirit. See you at the playing fields.

Megan Olson, activities director

Whitefish High School