Don't miss the opportunity

Don't miss the opportunity to make the right choice for Senate District 5 June 6.

Don Loranger is an excellent candidate to represent Bigfork as state senator. He is a fourth generation Montanan who I have known for some time. Like others who call Bigfork home, we take pride and give careful thought to those who represent us, and we highly recommend Don. He received a political science degree and commission in the U.S. Air Force from the University of Montana and went on to a distinguished career as commander of three separate air force bases. He also commanded Operation Provide Promise in Bosnia—the longest running humanitarian airlift in history—the Joint Task Force Southwest Asia, and lastly was charged with enforcing the no fly zone in Southern Iraq. Don retired as a Major General and to say he has leadership and problem solving skills under his wing is an understatement.

Don has worked tirelessly chairing the Land Use Steering Committee, always showing concern for neighbors. He has demonstrated his ability to respect opinions, reach compromise and seek solutions to rapid growth. He understands the difficult issues, has a realistic prospective on private property rights and knows when to listen and when to take charge. Locals are accustomed to seeing Don at Rotary, community planning meetings, decorating with the Elves or leading clean up days. Don is easy to engage in discussions about local taxes, education, transportation, government structure or responsible land use. He studies the issues, always careful to be accurate and truthful in his approach. He is very convincing on everything but his goose hunting and fishing tales.

Don and his wife Janet call Bigfork home while his opponent Verdell Jackson does not live in the Bigfork area. Verdell's term in the legislature representing Kalispell's Northwest District expired, now wishing to run again, this time representing Bigfork. I have never met Verdell nor observed him working at Bigfork community events, therefore am unable to add comment about the candidate. I do feel it is imperative for Bigfork to have a representative senator who has local knowledge and a good working relationship with Bigfork and our close neighborhoods. Given that Bigfork, Somers, East Shore and other areas of District 5 are unincorporated, we rely heavily on the volunteer efforts of citizen committees to collectively provide guidance to county and state government.

I encourage voters to learn about the candidates and seize the opportunity to elect a man with deep integrity. Don Loranger is willing and ready to serve. He has a lifetime of dedicated service and leadership achievement at the highest level. He is a respected member of this community and will bring a unique level of professionalism, character, intelligence and style that will make Bigfork proud.

Sincerely,

Doug Averill