MISSOULA - Too often we get swept up in the desire for the new and different instead of appreciating what we already have. This is especially true at political campaign time.
This spring’s race for Missoula County Commissioner is a tough choice because we have two great candidates running. I hope all voters learn as much as they can and make considered choices. I’m sticking with the woman who has been there for us all along.
Jean Curtiss and I have not always agreed but she has always kept her door and her mind open. In a divided world, leaders must govern more by common sense and emotional intelligence than by simple ideology.
Jean leads by listening and considering all sides of an issue. As a strong woman, she has paved the way for women in office. As an incumbent who has doggedly served in public office for more than 20 years, she knows how to get things done.
I first met Jean at a community rally after two of our neighbors, mothers of a young son, were targeted for being lesbians and had their house burned down while they slept. Jean was speaking out strongly against homophobia at a time when most officials were not.
Through the years, I’ve worked directly with Jean to stop the construction of a permanent industrial corridor to the Alberta tar sands through Missoula and witnessed her work as a board member of Missoula Aging Services and the Missoula Economic Partnership. In all arenas, Jean shows up with experience, commitment and a drive to make our community a better place for everyone.
As a business owner, I appreciate Jean’s push for economic development opportunities and her vision for a more prosperous Missoula. She has helped create an environment where Missoula businesses can thrive. Our community is growing and our needs are changing. We need a county commissioner who can see the big picture and balance the needs of our urban and rural areas. Jean has been doing this for years.
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