As another opportunity for voters to select their representatives approaches, we face a deluge of political posturing from the entire spectrum of ideologies. My reason for entering the fray once again is to provide voters in Senate District 5 a choice.

I feel that my history of involvement with various facets of the community, including the Bigfork Elves, the Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department, the Bigfork schools, the Bigfork Steering Committee, the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, the Riverbend Concert Series, the Essential Stuff Project, the Flathead County Detention Center and currently as a school bus driver, has provided me with a broad understanding of what residents of the area find important.

We are living in a world wrought with challenges. Many of us are feeling frustrated by the political gridlock which has virtually brought our governing effectiveness to a standstill. I am interested in solving problems and working to discover ways to make things better for all of us.

I am not interested in being a fundraiser. If there are individuals out there who may wish to support me, I encourage them to send their money to a deserving entity in my name. Organizations such as the Bigfork QRU, Lakeside QRU, the Community Foundation For a Better Bigfork, the local volunteer fire departments, and even Haiti or Chile are all worthy of financial support.

My success in this race will depend on how many voters urge their friends and neighbors to choose me to represent them. I don't intend to interrupt anyone's dinner hour by an unannounced visit, and I don't intend to post political signs. I will attend political forums and make myself available to answer questions.

I will continue to write letters to the editor to help inform readers about issues that require consideration.

I look forward to a campaign that focuses on the honest presentation of matters which voter's care about.

Edd Blackler is a candidate for Senate District 5 and a resident of Bigfork.