Opinion: Bradford is logical choice for HD 13

I love my country. In grade school I stood each morning and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, so proud of my memorization skills!

But the first time I truly felt that love was when I returned from my first trip abroad. I’d complained to my traveling companions about having to return so soon, until the Customs official at JFK airport handed back our passports and said, “Welcome home, ladies.” I still tear up thinking about that greeting.

After I turned 18, I didn’t cast straight-party votes. I read about candidates and watched debates, weighing ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ to choose the best leaders.

Our country is deeply divided now, and I feel it’s up to everyone, especially those of us who remember bipartisanship, to right this ship.

Reading about and listening to the candidates running to represent us in Montana’s 13th House District reveals a whole list of ‘pros’ in Dalton Bradford’s column.

Dalton is a lifelong Polson resident who knows what it’s like to work for years in our community. He pays property taxes. He understands the challenges we (of all ages) face regarding healthcare and affordable housing.

I’ve heard Mr. Bradford speak on several occasions, and he always stresses how much he wants to work across party lines. He knows that bipartisan cooperation is the way to get policies in place that will help the most people. He understands that this job is bigger than just one man and bigger even than one party.

He’s made it a very simple choice for me.

– Rebecca Ashcraft, Polson