I have known Clint Burson and his wife for nearly four years, a length of time that has brought them into my home, and brought me and my fiancé into theirs, on countless occasions. He is, above all, a devoted husband and friend.
Clint is a common-sense centrist. He listens, not just to pacify, but to understand. He has clear ideas about where Ravalli County is headed. Clint is ready to build consensus with everyone on both sides of every issue, and to take time to understand the real needs and desires of the people who live in this valley.
He is open to new ideas without relying on a party platform. Clint is against county-wide zoning; he wants people to be able to use their property in the way they see fit. Instead he sees that specific areas should be focused on different uses – the 93 corridor is a perfect example. The Bitterroot thrives on tourism and some of the most majestic peaks around; keeping those views visible while enhancing commercial growth which is a backbone of our economy is essential.
Clint is in favor of restoring Title X funding. It’s not about abortion or parental consent. It’s about providing access to health care that saves lives. A woman’s annual exam has nothing to do with whether she’s married or single, has children or not – but everything to do with early detection of cancer. If you love a woman, you know she’s at risk for developing cervical, breast or other cancers, and the thought should scare you. Clint recognizes that not everyone in the Bitterroot can afford early detection – something that saves lives and money. He will work to restore Title X funds and the detection, counseling and medical care that goes with it – to protect women in need.
Personally, Clint is honest, full of integrity and he bakes a delicious cake. He is introspective, and takes time to learn the details of any issue before him – from airport planning to the government funding of roads. Clint isn’t about a party or a platform. He’s about people and Ravalli County. That’s not asking a lot, but it’s a lot more than what we’ve been getting.
It’s time to put aside party politics and vote for people first. A vote has a much larger scale of influence in a local election. The best place to effect change is locally, in your own community. Clint Burson is a chance to change things, to step away from the political joke of appointing people based on their party and to make a commitment that we all live here and we all want the best for our valley. Clint is the best choice for steady leadership with a focus on more than just hearing people, but listening to them.
Jackie Berenyi
Hamilton