Dear Editor: A Response to Last Week's Letters

Dear Editor,

I read the three letters to the editor in the Ledger's February 21, 2024 publication. The following is a brief response to all three.

Jan Lombardi's letter on the increased property tax problem was both informative and right on. The state dropped the ball on addressing this issue, no matter whose fault. It is an example of a political lack of foresight in mitigating issues before they become problems. State government should be proactive in governance, not reactive. Would anyone be surprised if our property tax bills which we should receive by November first, are for some reason delayed until after the election?

Thomas Ralston's analysis of the economic benefits of the hunting and fishing industry compared to federal oil and gas leases is interesting. According to Ralston, Beaverhead and Madison Counties receive virtually no royalties from oil and gas leases on federal land. Yet, Hunting and fishing generate over 167 million dollars in Beaverhead County alone. Yes, we all consume petroleum products. However, why drill on federal lands that would be marginally profitable at best, and that would negatively impact the hunting and fishing industry?

Lastly, in my opinion, I found Robert Jump's rant to be at best lacking substance, and at worst to be extreme misinformation. It is time for Mr. Jump, and all of those who propagate misleading and inaccurate extremist views on both the left and the right to wake up to reality. Whack-A-Doodle-Do Mr. Jump.

Sincerely,

DON LEPINSKY

Whitehall, Montana