Wrong values for moms, dads, children

Editor,

For State Senate District 5, candidates Ric Smith and Verdell Jackson have very differing views. I have researched both candidates and am convinced that Ric Smith shares my views, and the values of our community.

Verdell Jackson has been in the legislature for eight years and has a voting record that is a clear statement of his beliefs and values. A legislator should be very proud of their voting record, and I am sure Mr. Jackson stands by his voting record.

Judging by his voting record, it is obvious to me that Mr. Jackson's values are clearly out of the mainstream, especially for Montana moms, dads, and children.

Mr. Jackson unfortunately does not seem to have a strong commitment to our future. He does not think we should have school buses, school lunches, or kindergarten.

I know this is hard to believe, but his record shows it clearly. During the 2005 legislature session, Mr. Jackson sponsored HB 415. This bill would have redefined the basic funding formula of education to eliminate school buses, school lunches, kindergarten and other key programs.

Fortunately, this bill never made it out of committee. Sponsoring HB 415 speaks volumes about Mr. Jackson's values.

His opponent Ric Smith, however, brings to the table 16 years of involvement in his children's education, as well as a solid, fiscally responsible small business background — just the kind of experience we need in Helena.

Ric runs his small business by watching every penny, and knows that our schools need to be fiscally responsible. Ric also believes we should maintain school buses for rural folks and kindergarten programs and lunches for our young. Ric's values are sensible. Mr. Jackson has shown that his values are wrong for the children and future adults of Montana, and the moms, dads, and grandparents who love them.

Judith Bromley

Polson