Kindness will lead the way
Leadership matters, it always does. We as a community have the courage to look past our own agendas and care for others, to serve.
I am continually in awe at the volunteers and donors who keep our food banks stocked, our meals on wheels programs moving and our kids' sports active. These stories are endless and a true testament to our greatness.
My Republican dad taught me to be conservative, to preserve public lands, be thrifty and save, spend a little on essentials, honor our sportsmen and work to lower taxes. My Democratic mom instilled graciousness and to be compassionate. She inspirits kindness for our fellow people, to forgive and move forward. We are thought all mortals and fortunate to rise the next morning to do our best.
Montana is clearly on the right road. We lead the nation in conventional and alternative energy production. Our economy is growing amongst the fastest in the nation.
Our state budget has enormous surpluses, and we create jobs at record paces. We've invested more dollars into local and higher education than anytime in our history, thanks to our oil and gas boom. All of this is a sign of good fiscal discipline and the innovation of our business leaders.
Whitefish locals are the kindest folks anywhere in Montana, our schools the greatest, and our business leaders the smartest. We are blessed as a community to care for others. Our family bonds remain strong.
The 2007 Legislative Session taught us all a lot. Many blame the conflicts on the system, but simply there were too many hotheaded folks in the majority of the House. Politics should rather reflect our local community. And the Whitefish area is a good, safe and kind place — you make it so.
My general election opponent appears more concerned with trash talk and half truths. I am amazed at the stuff being made up about me.
Apparently the smear season begins with a litany of special interest groups (PACs) in the Flathead, with many thousands of dollars from big money and out-of-area donors. I hear stories of push polls and other odd phone calls targeting our work. A price we pay for my refusal to take PAC campaign dollars.
As the fastest growing area of our state for many years, we are blessed to have a strong economy, but we also face many challenges. Only by working together, Republicans, Independents and Democrats, will we overcome.
Even with years of good work, our high home prices jeopardize our ability to attract young teachers, firefighters, police officers and workers. Our homeowner and business taxes remain too high.
Fuel and food costs are forcing the elderly and families to choose between good food on the table, heating homes or buying medicine. Rent and health care costs are simply too high for ordinary folks.
We've come along way, but have much work ahead. While I serve, I'll continue to put local people and businesses first. As we have done in the past two legislative sessions, I will carry forward good local ideas, as you are my inspiration.
It's simple — I'm a local farmer who is lucky to keep his hands in the soil, turning a few wrenches as needed.
Let me know if you have ideas that will improve our economy or simply make our lives safer, easier and better. Call me on my cell at 250-1184, e-mail me at mike@mikejopek.com or visit me at the Whitefish Farmers Market.
I'll keep working with our good governor and any willing legislator or local to keep the Whitefish area and our state the kind of place where our families, kids, elderly and local businesses continue to succeed.
I am humbled by your continued faith, inspiration and trust.
Rep. Mike Jopek is a rural Whitefish farmer who served in the 2005 and 2007 legislative sessions.