Jackson has been effective legislator

Editor,

Verdell Jackson is my choice for Senate District #5 in the June 6 primary. While serving as a four term State Representative, Mr. Jackson has been a genuine asset to his constituents. He is always responsive to citizen requests for assistance and he goes about his work with enthusiasm and legislative skills which bring about positive results.

As Director of the Ashley Lake Property Owners Association, I had the personal opportunity to observe Mr. Jackson demonstrate diligence and political courage. Unmarked water hazards in Ashley Lake had caused many boating accidents over the years. We learned, to our dismay, that no private citizen, association, group or even the County or State could place a hazard marker without becoming subject to civil liability.

An appeal to Rep. Jackson achieved prompt results. Although he had to battle the trial lawyers, who want no restriction on their ability to profit from any form of human mishap, and the environmentalists, who thought that hazard markers are visually offensive, he was able to shepherd the passage of House Bill 79 to the Governor's desk for signature. This law relieves private citizens and non-profit organizations of any liability for hazard marker placement except in cases of gross negligence. Rules for the placement of the signs or markers are provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. This agency was very supportive during the committee process. Now, any "Good Samaritan" who marks a water hazard does not have to fear a civil retribution for efforts in helping to protect the boating public.

Working with Rep. Jackson in this endeavor and testifying before the committees in the House of Representatives and the Senate gave me a unique opportunity to watch genuine representation in action. Senate District #5 needs a man of high ethical standards who responds without hesitation to the people who elected him. He currently serves on the influential Appropriations Committee that essentially determines the State budget. He also is serving on the State Administration and Veterans Affairs Committee that is currently working to solve the State pension unfunded liability problems. You who live in Senate District 5 are very fortunate to be able to vote for Verdell Jackson on June 6.

Robert Friedman

Kalispell