Likes Hammerquist

If an informal poll were given to residents of the Flathead Valley, I would venture to say that everyone would agree that the pristine waters of this area is one of the top reasons they are drawn here.

Finding something Republicans and Democrats can agree upon in this tumultuous election season is a rare commodity, and I believe that preserving our water quality is one of those issues.

Will Hammerquist, running for the House District 4 state legislature seat in Whitefish, has spent much of his professional career protecting water quality in our valley.

His work with the National Parks Conservation Association has been fruitful in banning mining from the Canadian headwaters of the Flathead River (protecting water quality in the North, Middle and South forks), one of two Wild and Scenic River-designated watersheds in all of Montana.

This is the very river that our children swim in, our thirst is quenched from, and it boasts one of the few bull trout habitats left in the Lower 48.

Hammerquist was also successful in implementing legislation that will protect water quality in Haskill Basin, a large contributor to Whitefish’s drinking water. Keeping our water quality pristine is Hammerquist’s priority, and it is Montana’s priority as well. Our history and heritage is steeped in clean air and clean water, which provides for blue-ribbon trout fisheries.

As the great Montana author Norman Maclean wrote, “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” Please join me in protecting our water. Vote Hammerquist on Nov. 2.

Emma Bryson

Whitefish