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Editor,
At the candidate’s forum in Ronan on Oct. 17, we were presented a very clear choice for HD 93. The choice is to vote for a hands-on representative in Johanna Clark, or a “place holder” in John Fleming. A “place holder” is someone who does not have the stamina for or interest in completing his/her term of office, and “holds” the seat for another person to be appointed at a later time.
An important question in the forum was how to protect the agricultural economy in the Mission Valley. Of the two candidates, only Clark acknowledged that agriculture is the backbone of the Mission Valley economy. She described how her life experience would lead her to protect agriculture by protecting property rights. Clark demonstrated her keen awareness of the choices families must make when the economy presents difficult circumstances. Clark’s vital, hands-on experience is a practical, valuable voice for Montanans.
There is no doubt that Fleming is a nice person who has been a teacher in the valley and one-time representative in the House. In my view he is more of an elder statesman who could offer valuable advice. But our representative must have the energy to serve and have his/her finger on the pulse of what drives the Mission Valley, representing all constituents. In the forum, he offered no new or independent thinking, nor did he display any passion for the job.
Clark’s closing statement asked an important question: what is the proper role of government? Is it to serve the special interests of a few, or to proactively represent the concerns of constituents, using government to protect their God-given rights to life, liberty, and happiness?
Johanna Clark is my choice for HD 93. I hope she is yours, too.
Catherine Vandemoer
Polson
