Mosquito levy not needed

I am concerned about the levy on the June 6 ballot asking for up to $330,000 per year for mosquito control in Flathead County.

There are no requirements set on how this money can be spent. Today's board does not want pesticides sprayed by planes which would contaminate organic gardens, school playgounds, people with chemical problems and may endanger the honey bees.

But what will happen when future boards and new county commissioners manage this fund? There are no safe pesticides to be used for aerial spraying. New pesticides in the future may create even more health problems than the ones available now.

At this time, the county spends about $10,000 towards mosquito control to kill or retard growth of mosquito larva in standing water areas in parts of Kalispell, Evergreen and Somers. The mosquitoes are not present all summer long, and only a certain kind of mosquitoes can actually carry the West Nile virus.

There are many ways individuals can protect themselves. There are products available in garden supply catalogues and at garden and farm supply stores that can be used.

Since I am susceptible to chemicals, I use organic methods to control bugs in my garden and on my many fruit trees. Children are exposed to so many pesticides now, in their yards and playgrounds, aerial spraying would add to the problem.

Please vote no on this mosquito levy. There are no safe guards on how the money will be spent to control the mosquitoes in Flathead County.

Clarice Gates

Kalispell