“Negative campaigning is only effective if we as citizens allow it to be.” I agree with my opponent on this, only I personally do not believe that stating facts on how we are different – from sources that withstand legal review – is negative! The truth is not negative. When I go to vote – I want the facts, not the rhetoric.
FACT: My opponent is simply a politician that is vying for his third run in his third (and different) district. How does that equate to knowing our challenges, who we are and really taking our interests to Helena? I do not believe it does.
FACT: I am MEA-MFT endorsed. That means teachers - the people we have given the responsibility to educate, the advocates for our children and the foundation of our future - have given me their support. Mr. Hopkins has openly said he does not support pre-school funding. That means we will remain one of six states not funding this head start. Forty-six states are ahead of our youngsters as they cross the threshold that first day of kindergarten. We should not be denying our children the ability to learn skills, work with others and organization of groups that preschool provides.
As a parent and a grandparent, I know we want a better future for our kids. Unlike my opponent, I believe voting against pre-school shirks our responsibility and sets an early setup for failure to compete.
FACT: I have stated in all instances – I will never, ever transfer or sell off our public lands. Mr. Hopkins has never promised that (notice his letter to the editor last week) and has stated on his Facebook page that he believes the State does a better job but “for now” should not transfer.
Does that mean maybe after he is elected that he can change his mind and openly join and support his National and State Republican party’s platform that supports this transfer? I am the only candidate in this race who is endorsed by Montana Conservation Voters, Montana Sportsman Alliance and the Rural Voters Action Fund. They support me on this issue because of the fact that I have a long track record of protecting our public lands and our public access to those lands and rivers.
FACT: My opponent does not have superior experience. He has not raised four children here, he has not operated a successful business here, nor has he been involved in numerous boards, groups and events that benefited our valley – ever! Somehow he forgot about my relationships and experience here in the Seeley-Sawn, and my experience in giving a voice to issues in Helena and DC – for dislodging funding to make the sewer affordable or by talking under the Rotunda to Protect Public lands in the largest group ever to have gathered there.
Call it what you want, thirty-five years of heart and soul to the incredible Seeley-Swan and my work in the Bonner area will not end with this election – no matter how it turns out. This is my home – forever.
Where is his allegiance to you when it is over? Can he say the same?
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