I will be supporting Mark Blasdel for Montana Senate District 4.

Mark Blasdel will stand up, look you straight in the eyes, give you a good, firm handshake and promise to work hard and do the best he possibly can for the people of Montana. And you will have no doubt that is what he will do.

Blasdel was known for his work ethic and leadership qualities while speaker of the House. He believes in excellent education for students both in public and charter schools. An education that will combine students with self-reliance, knowledge and good civic leadership that will shape the future of Montana and the United States. An education that promotes self values and high standards for their future.

Blasdel will not be coerced or provide his vote for a bill or action that he does not totally support. Ranching, mining, the timber industry, business and other state and individual efforts that will bring a good economy to the state will receive his support.

Blasdel has extensive knowledge of the problems existing from restrictive government policies and practices. His conservative values for the state and citizens’ rights will make a dedicated senator for the people of Montana.

Gunn is a resident of Somers

Zinke not safe Republican vote

Max Baucus for way too many years sold Montana out when he authored and voted for Obamacare! Don’t vote Democrat.  

We could debate all day with anyone that left progressive socialists overtook the party a long time ago to march us into a “Global Order” where “nationalism” (pride in your country) is abolished.

Sen. Ryan Zinke waves the Republican banner, but, like a number of the establishment Republicans, sadly votes like a progressive Democrat.

Since his announcement to run for Congress, Zinke’s positions have dramatically changed into trying to sound more “conservative.” While he was a senator in Helena he supported pro-Choice NARAL 65 percent of the time in 2009. Voted against the interests of the Montana Family Foundation on one in every three votes in 2009.  

Those huge billboard ads on our highways? He is founder and chairman of SOFA, a super PAC gathering large out-of-state special interest monies. The NRA gives him dismal “C” rating for Second Amendment rights. He voted 73 percent with MEA-MFT (Montana Education Association-Montana Federation of Teachers) and AGAINST educational choice!

Check out Vote Smart — a great source to research candidates voting records.

Sen. Matt Rosendale could stand up to any scrutiny, and big super PACS would love to sabotage this principled man. To allow a Zinke, or heaven forbid, another Democrat, to win this very important congressional race, would once again imperil the great state of Montana and the country. No candidate may have the same position as you every single time but there is a real and present danger to put into office one with a list of ethical concerns that trump any positions he may take.   

Cast your very “precious” vote for Matt Rosendale and choose family, freedom and pride for our  America. —Russell and Linda Johnson, Kalispell

Blasdel has right experience

The next legislative session will have plenty of challenges for lawmakers and some of the biggest I have ever seen. There is no doubt that the Legislature will need experienced leaders like Mark Blasdel.

I have had the pleasure of growing up and attending school with Mark in Kalispell. Mark has served four sessions in the Legislature including terms as ranking member of the House Education Committee, a term as the House Chairman for the Taxation Committee, and last session as the 52nd speaker of the Montana House.

As a fellow legislator, I can tell you first hand that Mark has been a constant champion for the taxpayer and a strong voice for the small business owner. One of the main differences between Mark and his attorney opponent is his experience.

Many candidates say they are conservative; Mark’s record proves he is. He fought back against the implementation of Medicaid expansion (Obamacare) and the overreach of our federal government. He was the primary sponsor for a committee that brought efficiencies and millions of dollars of savings to the state. As a father he understood that Montana needed tough laws to protect our kids and was one of the first supporters of Jessica’s Law. Now, both Mark and I are proud to say that Montana has some of the toughest laws on the books to protect our children.

With term limits, Kalispell needs an experienced senator that understands our education systems, tax codes, revenue estimates, pension systems, and land management issues. Mark has stood up to the special interest groups and bureaucrats that have no fiscal accountability.

During election time you will hear all the promises and rhetoric; elect an experienced leader that already has a proven record. I am proud to endorse Blasdel and urge everyone in Senate District 4 to vote for him. —Jon Sonju, Kalispell

Zinke shares      concerns of  the average voter

The voters I’ve talked with are concerned about jobs, the economy, feeding their families, and scraping up money to buy gas to get to work. They want a congressman who will address these issues, not focus on his own private agenda. 

Ryan Zinke will be that congressman.  

And you can also be sure he will never vote for a bill he hasn’t READ! —Mitzi Anderson, Whitefish

Rosendale will be good for Montana

I met U.S. congressional candidate Matt Rosendale in Kalispell a month ago and I’m glad I did. I was impressed with his views on property rights and getting the feds out of our everyday life in Montana. I also respect Matt’s stance on the sanctity of life.

When asked about Obamacare, Matt wants to hold the Obama administration accountable. Matt will fight to repeal Obamacare and return the right to the Montana families so we are free to choose our own health coverage.

I agree with Mr. Rosendale that the NSA eavesdropping is a violation of our constitutional rights; we should not have to wonder whether our own government is spying on us.

Matt Rosendale is the type of person I feel will be good for Montana. Matt has earned my trust and the trust of my neighbors and friends. His proven experience in the Montana House and Senate, will allow him to actually accomplish good things for all of us in Montana while also ensuring that our local values are always taken to heart. If you get a chance to meet Matt, don’t pass it up! —Dennis Gomez, Kalispell

Schnebel for county commissioner

The ballots are in the mail and for the first time in years I have a positive choice for county commissioner. Someone I know, trust and respect is running and I couldn’t be more excited.  Stacey Schnebel filed as a Democratic candidate for county commissioner and when elected will be a gift to all Flathead County residents.

She’s 36 years old, has a tremendously supportive husband, two young children and the energy, skills and enthusiasm to do all the work required of this most important office.  Stacey is part of two successful businesses and key to several non-profit groups’ success in the past five years. Check out her website or Facebook page, Elect Stacey Schnebel for Flathead County Commissioner, and learn more about her and see who else supports her.

Stacey lives in Coram, where she is very active in the community and she also has history in Whitefish where she lived for several years. She is seeking the office of county commissioner not because she needs a job, but because she is a natural leader. I’ve watched her analyze a situation and guide the discussion to consensus with well-reasoned logic. Now that’s a skill we certainly can use!

Whether Republican or Democrat has never made a difference with me, especially for the the office of county commissioner, so please join me in casting a ballot in this primary and then in November for Stacey Schnebel for Flathead County commissioner. —Alan R. Ruby, Kalispell

Pierson showed her strengths        at recent debate

I attended the Republican debates at the packed Syke’s meeting room on May 1.

One of the competitive county races highlighted was for the Flathead County clerk and recorder position with three candidates actively running. Debbie Pierson stood out in a major way as the fully capable and well-prepared candidate to take over for Paula Robinson, who chose not to run after her excellent service the past 12 years. I wish all the voters could have been in attendance.

Debbie presented herself with dignity and poise. Her responses to questions and rebuttal statements were presented with confidence, clarity and professionalism. The feedback I heard from attendees who did not know Debbie prior to this event was crystal clear in their reactions to Debbie’s performance. They indicated she is well-prepared, smart, pleasant, firm and the clear choice for this position.

Debbie is the candidate with a plan and ability to lead a staff of 16 and a $2.4 million budget. One key point she made relates to the fact she has been employed at a professional level position the past seven-plus years in the commissioners’ office. I can personally confirm she is highly respected by the county’s management team, employees and members of the public she has served so well.

Debbie was the clear debate winner for the clerk and recorder position on May 1, and if qualifications, intelligence, honesty and career performance are important to our citizens as I know they are, she will be the clear winner at the June 3 primary election.

Please join with me in voting for Debbie Pierson for clerk and recorder! —Jed Fisher, Kalispell

Pierson is leader

Twenty-plus years ago, I met a teenage girl.

I did not know at the time, that she was destined to become a leader and a real asset to our community.

I have watched her mature into a hard-working, honest and dedicated member of our community.

She has all the experience, credentials and ambitions to be our next clerk and recorder.

You will be making the right decision when you vote for Debbie Pierson for county clerk and recorder. —John Ed Kennedy Jr., Bigfork

Garner has been one of Kalispell’s best leaders

On Election Day, my wife Bev and I will be voting for Frank Garner for Montana state representative for House District 7.

We have known Frank for nearly three decades and I had the pleasure of working closely with him when he was Kalispell’s police chief and interim city manager.

As a former Kalispell fire chief and longtime City Council member, I have had the chance to serve with many leaders over the years and I believe Frank has been one of our best. Frank has the character and courage that I look for in someone serving in public office, and I know he will represent the best interests of our community.

Bev and I support Frank in his run for this office, and I urge you to join me in electing him as Kalispell’s next representative. —Duane Larson, Kalispell

Ronalee Skees will keep those in     Helena on toes

Those of you in House District 7, please read:

The Montana Shooting Sports Association just came out on April 30 with their endorsement of 23 legislative candidates. Ronalee Skees got their endorsement.

Ronalee’s husband served in the Montana Legislature. Ronalee was very involved with the way things worked in Helena. I wish we could bottle her energy. Her opponent has a name people recognize and he is nice-looking. His jobs have been in management and making peace with people. Ronalee has been in Helena and has firsthand knowledge of how things work. Ronalee will hit the ground running to help the people of Montana in a very truthful and conservative way.

If you take a look, you will find there are not a lot of women in our state Legislature. Women of House District 7, if you help send Ronalee to Helena with your vote, I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

She may wear pink but she is a fireball who will keep those in Helena on their toes. Meet her, and you will see what I mean. —Pat Arnone, Kalispell

Mitchell will vote to protect              property rights

Please join me in supporting Phil Mitchell, the conservative Republican candidate for county commissioner.

Phil believes in protecting individual property rights, making sure our water rights are protected, keeping our county budget in check and making sure the county citizens in the Whitefish doughnut are represented by the county commissioners.  

Phil is honest and college-educated and what he says you can believe. We need leaders who have honesty and integrity like Phil Mitchell. Therefore, I urge all my friends and neighbors to join me in voting for Phil Mitchell, the honest, conservative Republican candidate for county commissioner. —Ardis Larsen, Lakeside