Lodgepole Society Endorsements

Bill and I started the Lodgepole Society in 2006 when we moved to our farm in Selle.  A few days after our move, I stood before the unusual and beautiful tree, declaring "Thank you, God" because I was so thrilled to be back "in the country." 

 Later, that week, Bill, the dedicated forester, decided we needed to start a Lodgepole Society, honoring the grand double-trunked tree which stands in the middle of  our far pasture. 

Two yellow "Rite-in-the-Rain" field-books are filled with thoughts from a vast array of friends, both new and old, who have visited our Lovestead. 

 In addition, some Lodgepole Society members have even left items like feathers, photos, dollar bills and a very special angel medallion. 

As Bill says, the Lodgepole Society is strictly nonpartisan. It simply functions as a wonderful symbol of the special friendships we have enjoyed with all who have come to our farm and "marveled at this truly unique specimen" of nature. 

Andrew Sorg and Laura Bry:  candidates for Idaho State Representative

Ann Dutson-Sater:  candidate for County Clerk

Idaho State Sen. Shawn Keough:  candidate for re-election. 

Sometimes during political seasons, one can sit back for just so long, listening to or reading the unfair attack-dog tactics a few candidates will use in attempts to discredit their opponents, trying desperately—at any cost---to get elected.

Sadly, this trend, which sickens most voters, has been rearing its ugly head more and more at the local level. From my observations, this year has been the worst ever.

Throughout this campaign, good and respected people from our community who are running for public office have been unfairly smeared and, in some cases, downright demonized.

I consider myself a voter who clings to the old-fashioned belief of “may the best, most qualified candidate win, regardless of political affiliation.” 

As one who has traditionally crossed party lines, I vote for candidates, based on their intelligence, their common sense, their proven dependability and upon other general observations made while reading about them or knowing them personally. 

Some might call the latter “gut instinct,” which I truly believe plays a vital role in making important choices of any nature. If something just doesn't seem right, for whatever reason---intangible or not---then it’s worth extra consideration.

 

What does not seem right to me in this year’s campaign are insinuations that American or patriotic values belong only to an exclusive set of candidates and that anyone who fails to use the right code words or catch phrases with their campaign rhetoric is surely not a true American and that they are destined to drag us into fear-filled situations. 

This strategy is clearly intended to suggest doubt about the patriotism and faith of anyone who doesn’t publicly proclaim core American values or beliefs as “we do.”

Such attempts to denigrate candidates--especially those in local races--whom many of us in the electorate know and respect as neighbors and friends---are despicable and desperate ways to elevate oneself.

 

These continued tactics reflect very negatively on those dishing out the dirt.

Like many voters, I detest this form of campaigning and resent the treatment people whom I know and appreciate have faced throughout the past few months.

Consequently, I feel the need to stand up and announce my support for some candidates on tomorrow's ballot who deserve much better.

I respectfully suggest that voters look beyond the nasty rhetoric and consider that these candidates have consistently demonstrated that they are responsible, community-minded, hard-working, articulate, flexible and honest Americans.

 

This past week, I visited with these folks (representatives of both the Democratic and Republican parties) at our home, where I inducted them into our “non-partisan” Lodgepole Society.  The time spent with each of them was fun, insightful and comforting. 

In one case, I met a candidate for the first time, coming away excited about the possibilities should Andrew Sorg be elected. He’s a personable, bright, sensible, engaging young man who can certainly think on his feet.  

While riding in the back end of our 4-wheeler enroute to our “God” tree, I learned of his upbringing on a Montana cattle ranch, his involvement in Future Farmers of America and his agricultural studies at Cornell University.  I think he exhibits great potential as a legislator.

I first met Laura Bry about 15 years ago when my brother Jim, sister Laurie and I decided to take a sailing class through the Sandpoint City Rec. Dept.  We all hit it off instantly and giggled through the last session when our sailboats had to be towed back to shore, thanks to a severe absence of wind.

Laura grew up on a farm in Massachusetts where the family raised Scotch Highlander cattle.  These days, she specializes with Apple computer products and stays actively involved in the community.  I’ve always been impressed with her warmth, her outgoing nature, her intelligence and her genuine desire to serve.

As for Ann Dutson Sater, her maiden name is “Gooby.”  I’ve known the Gooby's my whole life; in fact, they're almost like family.  They are firmly rooted in this community and well-known for their positive contributions through several generations.  

Ann graduated from Sandpoint High School and has maintained high standards while working in professional capacities around the community.

Shawn Keough ranks as one of the most respected elected officials I have ever met.  Throughout her 18 years as a legislator, she has consistently done her utmost to serve her constituents’ best interests, always treating each with professionalism and respect.  She deserves the same in return.

Naturally, I enthusiastically encourage you to vote for these candidates in tomorrow's general election.  I feel confident that each of them will continue to serve the broad constituency to the best of their ability.

If philosophical differences prevent you from casting a vote for any of them, so be it.  I respect philosophical, well-thought-out differences of opinion.

If, however, you are allowing the barrage of misinformation or mean-spirited, unwarranted characterizations which have been launched via letters-to-the editor or online forums, etc. to influence your vote, please reconsider. 

 

Let’s restore common sense, fair play, civility and dignity into the electoral process. Let's make informed and sensible choices, based on facts, not emotion-charged insinuations.  

Our candidates deserve that kind of respect, and so do we.