The election this year presents us with a very critical choice: we can continue down the path of “coordination” and other far right concepts of this present board of extreme Republicans, or we can vote in two specific candidates, a Democrat and an Independent, to provide a better political balance and reasonable policies. Also, this will result in a board with the two new commissioners possessing the character traits you would hope to see in your elected officials.
Many of you already know Big Dave Smith from his three decades as a small business owner in the County, and I suspect you appreciate his qualities of honesty, respect for others, fairness and responsibility. See his website (bigdavesmithforcommissioner.com) to learn of the commitments he will bring to the office of Commissioner in District 2.
Many of you as well also know Nancy Joy Valk, both from her 27 years as a small business owner and also as a twice elected non-partisan member of the Hamilton City Council. She is valued for her honesty, proven fiscal conservancy, hard work and commitment to the best interests of the public. And she knows firsthand the tough decisions it takes to achieve a balanced budget. Very importantly too, she led the way in rejecting the unfeasible proposed Flatiron subdivision (sadly and disturbingly, this subdivision is now proposed once again to gain Commissioner approval in Ravalli County). Check out her candidacy at facebook.com/VoteForNancyJoyValk to review her qualifications as an Independent for Commissioner in District 4.
Both of these candidates will bring welcome integrity, successful business experience, commitment to the public interest, receptivity to public viewpoints and sound budgeting experience to what is now a far right-leaning, all-Republican Board of Commissioners.
Support common sense and openness by voting for Dave Smith (District 2) and Nancy Joy Valk (District 4).
Chuck Roubik
Hamilton