Our View: Hi-Line darts and laurels

Laurel — Hill County officials, headed by County Commissioner Mark Peterson, are fighting to get Helena’s attention on the problem of flooding along Beaver Creek Park. Attack the federal government all you want, but the Federal Emergency Management Administration has come to the county’s rescue several times in recent years to help alleviate the effects of floods on the creek. But the feds don’t have deep pockets, and they want the county to take some action. The state doesn’t have deep pockets either, but we think the state ought to pick up some of the cost of fixing this problem.

Dart — E-cigarette manufacturers are aiming to sell their products to minors. We don’t know a lot about the effects of e-cigarettes, but we’re sure there are better things for young people to be doing. In the state capitol, Attorney General Tim Fox and State Sen. Diane Sands, D-Missoula, hardly ideological soulmates, are working to secure legislation to ban sale of e-cigarettes to minors. Lots of groups that hope to make a profit off the sale of e-cigs are singing the blues. Tough. There are a lot of wholesome, healthy products these people can sell. Let’s ban sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

Has anyone ever changed their vote because they got a robocall from a big political shot urging them to vote for their buddy? Robocallers seem to have a knack for calling at just the wrong time and disturbing people while they are doing something important. The state Legislature could do politicians a big favor by prohibiting them from making such calls. It would save the pols some money and probably gain them some votes.

Laurel — Speaker after speaker at the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon on this week reminded us of how great it is to live in Havre. In the day-to-day rush, we can easily forget the many advantages we have living in a progressive community off the beaten track, with a real sense of community.

Laurel — Speaking of the Chamber, newly elected president Shawn Holden has two important goals for the coming year. He’s asking local businesses to do a little to spruce up the city. Business people and the rest of us ought to follow his advice. And Holden promises to fight for a 24-hour port of entry at Wild Horse. That will be tough. We predict he will be beating his head against the wall, but it’s a fight worth fighting. The advantages to our area are immense. Both sides would benefit from the economic possibilities. And, if people decide they want to go to Canada at 1 a.m., they have a right to. They should not be required to travel to Timbuktu and back to go 50 miles.