Zac Perry in HD3: He's the genuine article

Politics have always held an interest for me. As a younger woman, I was active in The League of Women Voters, voted for Richard Nixon in 1968, and knocked on doors for George McGovern in 1972 and John Anderson in 1980. This tells you two things: I’ve been around a while and I’ve never voted the party line.

Why then do I now find myself attending team meetings for Zac Perry, candidate for House District 3, surrounded by a group of people, many of whom are young enough to be my children? The answer is simple: I like Zac, I trust Zac and I believe his greatest motivation for running is his desire to serve the interests of those he represents.

I have not known Zac as long as many of those working hard to help him get elected. But, hopefully, with age comes wisdom. I knew when I first met Zac, he was the “genuine article.” He doesn’t try to overwhelm as some candidates might, arrogantly flaunting their resumes, spouting verbatim the ideology of their party or making outrageous — sometimes knowingly false — statements.

Zac speaks in a soft voice and is always respectful in his response. He thinks carefully before answering a question or offering an opinion. And when he does speak, you can be assured he is saying what he believes to be right, as well as what he believes is in the best interests of his neighbors, his community and his state. Best of all, Zac is a “listener” who seems much more interested in what you have to say than what he might have on his own agenda. How often do you find these qualities in today’s “politicians” — on any level?

Those who have lived in the Columbia Falls/Hungry Horse/Martin City area for the past quarter of a century or more probably know Zac. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in the mid-’90s, a three-sport athlete and first in his class. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and international relations from the University of Notre Dame where he further distinguished himself. Then, unlike many who then go off seeking greener pastures, Zac returned to the Flathead.

Since that time, he has immersed himself in the community that gave him his start: Helping run his family’s business in Martin City, substitute-teaching at Columbia Falls High School, working part-time at O’Brien’s Liquor and Wine store in Columbia Falls, singing in the Columbia Falls Choir, volunteering on the Canyon Trail system, to mention just a few of his involvements.

Along with the other qualities mentioned above, Zac is a fighter who does not give up easily. Why else would he run three times for House District 3? Zac wants the opportunity to go to Helena to fight for you and for those things we all value: Decent well-paying jobs right here in the Flathead, starting with the hiring of local men and women to manage and perform the clean-up of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant; quality public education for all kids, one that adequately prepares them for the work force of the 21st century; a strengthened health-care system through the expansion of Medicaid, benefiting the thousands in our state currently without adequate health care, including children and the elderly; and maintaining our strong timber and tourism industries. Zac would work hard to keep our public lands out of the hands of those who would privatize it or sell it off to the highest bidder.

Because Zac cherishes all that his state stands for and all that it has to offer, he would do everything in his power to keep Montana “The last best place.”

If you vote for Zac Perry for House District 3, he will never disappoint you; instead, he will make you proud.

Frahm is a resident of Columbia Falls.