LETTER: Standing up for Democrats

To any Flathead Democrats pondering the story on the front page of this paper last Sunday, Oct. 9, I’d like to offer reassurance that of the 10 legislative seats and one county commissioner seat on the ballot in our county, Democrats are fortunate to have seven engaged and hard-working candidates for the Legislature, plus a contender for the county commission. One of those seats, SD 6, is half in Lake County, and a Polson candidate, Rolf Harmsen, is running there. Lincoln County also has two committed and active candidates running in their two House districts — Steve Haarstick (HD 1) and David McGarry (HD 2), who was misquoted in the Sunday article (see correction in Tuesday’s paper). 

As Democrats, we can be proud of these individuals, who have taken time out of their lives, and have summoned the courage to step up for public service, and to represent for the people of their districts the values of economic fairness, human rights, dedication to strong public schools, and a land ethic that ensures all of us can get out to enjoy this beautiful place we all call home.

We stand in solidarity as strong Flathead Democratic candidates by signing this letter:

Lynn Stanley, Chairperson, Flathead Democratic Party, and candidate for HD 7, Kalispell

Rep. Zac Perry, candidate for HD 3, Columbia Falls, the North Fork, and the Canyon communities

Dave Fern, candidate for HD 5, Whitefish

Eileen Bech, candidate for HD 11, Lower Valley, south to Lakeside, west nearly to Kila

Melissa Hartman, candidate for SD 3, Whitefish and West Valley

Paige Rappleye, candidate for HD 8, to the west and south of Kalispell

Brittany MacLean, candidate for HD 9, Evergreen, and northeast Kalispell

Eileen Lowery, candidate for Flathead County Commissioner, District 2