Editor’s Note: Following is Margaret Gorski’s statement of candidacy in her own words.
I am proud to announce my candidacy as a Democrat candidate for Senate District 44, representing the north half of Ravalli County. I have a lifetime of experience as a public servant working with all levels of government and nonprofit organizations and offer valuable perspectives that should be considered in state decisions that affect everyone’s life. I care about the future of Montana and the quality of life we are handing off to our children.
The Bitterroot Valley is known across the state as a solidly red county. I am continually told the odds of a Democrat winning are slim. So why bother? My reply is simple. Why have multiple parties if only candidates from one party run for office? I believe campaigns should provide a voter a variety of viewpoints because a one size fits all perspective doesn’t fit every situation. Voters should have a real choice when they go to the polls. My campaign slogan has been and will continue to be “A Choice for Your Voice”. Issues are complex and best solved with a diversity of ideas. It takes listening to all sides and frequently requires willingness to compromise. Our country was founded on compromise. We fought the bloodiest civil war in history for want of compromise. I truly believe that “United We Stand Divided We Fall.” It’s time to start listening to each other instead of trying to prove opposing views are wrong.
Another reason I decided to run is that I share many of the same frustrations as you. I am tired of extremists who only offer simplistic and meaningless slogans as a reason they should be elected. Saying… “I’ll fight for your freedom and liberty”…. is about as instructive as saying “vote for me because I like baseball and apple pie.” Those words make for good parade banners, but tell you nothing about how a candidate will approach solving difficult problems that affect everyone.
Unfortunately, campaigning has turned into a contest to see who can spend the most money, put up the most signs, and create the most clever slogans and catchy sound bites.
I would like to think that all voters study candidates when deciding who they want to represent them. Some voters do, but sadly, most do not. Many voters simply make assumptions about a candidate based on their party. Have you ever read your party’s platform? Better yet, have you read the opposing party’s platform? If you have, good for you! If you haven’t, give it a try. If you have read the Democratic Party’s Platform, you would see that Democrats share many of the same values. They are not Socialists or Communists. I personally don’t think we should give away our hard-earned tax dollars; that government should take away our guns; or that the Government can solve all problems. You might even be surprised to find out how many values I share with Republicans. However, unlike Republicans who get graded on Party loyalty, I am an independent thinker running as a Democrat. I will deviate from the party platform when it is in the best interest of Montanans.
Before you automatically make party assumptions about me, I ask you to evaluate me based on my core beliefs. They include:
• The economy thrives on diversity. I support developing the infrastructure we need to attract businesses that see our open space and public lands as assets.
• Public education is the bedrock of our democracy.
• Everyone deserves a shot at a good paying job as long as they work hard.
• Forest management decisions are better when the county, state and local citizens are involved.
• Montana needs to step up and get in front of climate change.
• We need to diversify our sources of energy.
• Everyone deserves affordable health care.
• Government should stay out of a women’s reproductive life.
• Responsible gun ownership is an important part of what it means to be a Montanan.
If you honor me with your trust and I win, I promise that I will work hard to represent you and all Montanans. Those who know me know that is a fact. And facts do matter!
I am available to discuss issues, listen to concerns, and visit anyone who wants to know more about me, how I solve problems, and whether you think I would be a good State Senator to represent you. Contact me at margaretgorskiforsd44@gmail.com or write Margaret Gorski for SD 44, P.O. Box 994, Stevensville MT 59870.