By Kelsey Milner, Hamilton
I write this in strong support of Margaret Gorski for HD88. I have known Margaret for several years, most recently through our activities as members of the Ravalli County Collaborative (RCC). I want to offer two important reasons why you should consider giving her your vote.
First, given the economic importance of natural resources to Montana in general and Ravalli County in particular, it is imperative that we have representatives who are knowledgeable of the issues, the science, and the political realities of resource management. For example, in the past decades, Ravalli County has transitioned from a timber dependent community to a forest dependent community. Economic benefits from tourism and outdoor recreation of all kinds now greatly exceed timber benefits. We need leaders who recognize this reality and will work to bring balance to our “wise use” of all natural resources. Margaret Gorski has the education (BS in forestry, masters in planning) and experience (30 years with USFS) to be such a representative.
Second, we desperately need legislators who can “work across the aisle”. In my experience on the RCC, I have been impressed with how Margaret works to find common ground on contentious issues. A natural leader, she is articulate, outspoken and has strong opinions, but keeps an open mind and is always respectful of others. She is less interested in “winning” on an issue than in making progress toward a reasonable resolution. In this era of political tribalism, Margaret is a breath of fresh air.