Loranger: Fresh blood, fresh ideas

Editor,

As are many of our citizens, I am very concerned. Over the years, we have faced many challenges here in the Flathead Valley and Montana. However, all of them pale in comparison to the combination of growth, taxation, education funding, business development, resource extraction and environmental issues we now face. Clearly, we will need a steady hand at the helm in Helena to craft mutually supportive solutions to these complex problems.

It is for that reason I strongly support the candidacy of Don Loranger to be our next State Senator for District 5. Don is a fourth generation Montanan who was educated at the University of Montana, commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and served a distinguished, 30-year career.

He was an outstanding pilot, expertly commanded three separate Air Force bases and held numerous positions of significance to our national security. His outstanding leadership and management abilities resulted in his achieving the rank of Major General. Additionally, since retiring and returning home to Montana, Don has been an active community leader and very involved in the full range of activities in the Flathead Valley. In short, Don is a proven leader who can solve the complex issues we now face.

Let me briefly touch on our policy of "term limits." Term limits were promulgated to prevent "career politicians" and to bring fresh blood and fresh ideas to Helena. We must "retire" those politicians who are trying to "skirt" the intent of term limits. Yes, I am speaking of Verdell Jackson, who has served four terms in the Montana House of Representatives. True, it is certainly within his prerogative to run for the Senate, but in my opinion it is now time for us to thank him for his service and for him to step aside.

In the Letters to the Editor section of the May 14 Inter Lake, Ms. Branscome questioned if General Loranger could represent the people who live in communities other than Bigfork. Don has visited both Lakeside and Somers several times. At these gatherings, he not only communicated his position on numerous local and state issues, but more importantly, he listened to the people. He is more than qualified to represent the entire Flathead Valley and the district.

The Montana "clock" is ticking and it is imperative that we craft workable solutions to the many challenges we face. Be it strong, decisive leadership, or logical, analytical abilities, Don Loranger has a documented track record — in both his exemplary military career and his local community service. Don is the right man, right mission, right now. Send Don Loranger to Helena as our District 5 Senator and let him get to work on all of Montana's challenges.

Brigadier General Tip Clark

USAF (Ret)

Lakeside