Elections spur more letters to the editor

To the Editor:

In the 12 years I have been active in politics, I have been blessed to work with a positive group of Lincoln County Republicans. Through two spirited presidential primaries, we’ve shared common values while making room for many opinions on how to advance those values. In the end, we support the shared goals of the Republican party and the candidates who will carry the battle forward.

What we don’t have is a process for making endorsements in an all Republican general election, such as the one we face in the 13th Legislative District. We have two good Republican candidates, both formerly serving as Grant County Chairman, both dedicated to those shared goals and Republican values, both who could serve as reliable members of the House Republican caucus, both with business and agriculture experience. As Lincoln County Chairman, my role has been to be sure both candidates were treated fairly and to remain neutral, and its been interesting to observe the two candidates different styles. Now that ballots are about to arrive in our mailboxes, it is disingenuous to protest that I have no personal opinion when folks ask me what I think of the two candidates for State Representative Position 1. I will be voting for Dani Bolyard.

Dani has demonstrated several key characteristics I value in a representative. First, she listens and she’s been listening in Lincoln County. She made the time while doorbelling in Reardan to sit at the kitchen table and listen to an elderly couple. She made the time to reach out to local Republicans at our Central Committee meeting and ask questions. And when Lincoln County was added to the 13th District while she was Grant County Chairman, she welcomed us as part of the Lucky 13th and was right here with us at the next Lincoln Day Dinner.

Second, she communicates clearly. I may not agree 100% with every position she has taken or will take, but she is articulate and forthright in stating what she believes and why.

Third, her education in architecture and experience in journalism tell me that she knows how to ask questions, see whole systems and connect the dots between actions taken by the Legislature or state agencies in one arena and unintended consequences in another. I am excited to have her digging deep into water policy, looking for those connections on behalf of our thirsty farmers and towns.

Fourth, ­­I value integrity and work ethic. Dani was Co-Chair of the Credentials Committee at the 2012 Washington State Republican Convention, and I served on the committee representing Lincoln County. Dani demonstrated both high integrity and hard work on the Committee, one that is essential to the integrity of the process yet behind the scenes, work that requires putting aside personal differences to focus on getting the job done to elect Republicans.

There’s my pick, now you do your own research and ask your own questions. We also have three initiatives in play this year and I recommend voting No on all of them - but that’s a story for another letter.

Sue Lani Madsen

Edwall

I can proudly say, I have known Tom Dent for nearly his entire life. We became friends in elementary school and have continued to be friends for the last five decades. Although I no longer live in Washington state, I have watched Tom through the years as he has pursued his dreams and passions. He is a person who has a positive impact wherever he serves or whatever he sets his mind to accomplish! As a young man, he was always true to his word and was someone you could trust. He is the same to this day. Although calm and sometimes soft spoken, he has never been afraid to stand up for his principles and for what he feels is best for his town, district, county, state and country! He is a man of integrity who will honestly represent his constituents as a Washington state representative from the 13th District! I urge you to vote for Tom Dent!

Jo Rita Nielsen,

Scottsdale, Ariz.

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Tom Dent, candidate for State Representative in the 13th District Position 1.

I am in great hopes that the voters of the District will take it upon themselves to check out the accusations that are being thrown around both verbally and in print against a man with a great reputation, strong leadership skills and a proven history of love for this district and our country. For 37 years he has been a successful and respected businessman in the Basin.

Tom was elected to lead the Grant County Republican party for nine years, and under his guidance the party grew to the strongest position in its history. Many GOP members in Grant County were very upset when we learned that Tom had made the decision not to run again for Chair of the Grant County GOP. Tom believed that others should have the opportunity to step up and serve as he had done and he wanted to move on to other areas he felt he could make a difference in. Since Tom left the chair position, our Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) participation rate has dropped considerably as has the number of volunteers to get the message out. Tom knows how to lead without a dictator attitude and he inspires his volunteers to work hard for the cause that we all believe in. He knows how to listen to all sides presented and then acts with the honesty and integrity he is known for. This area is his home and he has demonstrated strong values and lived what he believes.

I have been honored to represent a portion of Grant County as a Precinct Committee Officer since 2005 and feel I can speak from experience. I am a volunteer that believes if you don't step up and try to fix the problem you shouldn't be making cheap comments that are usually unfounded and carry no credibility. I have watched many of Tom's critics who held PCO positions for one or two terms, just quit because they couldn't get their "personal agenda" shoved into conservative policies. I have witnessed manipulative individuals unsuccessfully try to use the Grant County Republican Party and their office to stair step their way to loftier positions for their personal gains. I can honestly say I have never witnessed Tom Dent doing those things. He is a principled man with great character and strong "American" beliefs that he lives by.

I therefore ask the voters of the 13th District to vote for a proven leader with strong leadership skills, and a deep desire to work for the voters of this district and state. Tom is a principled man with great character and a strong "American spirit".

Sincerely,

Candace Erickson

Ephrata