GOP - Gone Off Path?

Recently, I am reminded of our 1960s Rockefeller, Goldwater and Nixon political tornado. Eventually, Ronald Reagan rose up, quelled the storm, achieved governorship of California and then became one of our finest American presidents.

Reagan-era solidarity was comforting, unifying and dignified, unlike the unsettling disruption and in-fighting by a few schemers in Flathead politics. Regrettably, “a few” portending Republicans got it terribly wrong for our Flathead.

Republicans definitely have the ability to present the best our GOP has to offer, however not this time. Flathead County commissioner candidate Phil Mitchell and his campaign handlers do not seem to respect that a public service candidate is currently obligated to demonstrate they are capable, caring enough or worthy to stand before the people of Flathead and participate in open public voter examination.

The Mitchell camp demonstrates they don’t seem to really represent us by offering a sincere and open Q & A examination with the public. The apparent lack of either the ability or caring to elaborate on public concerns, outside of a campaign-handler controlled environment, should be of great concern.

The refusal to openly accept and answer our public’s non-scripted questioning leaves responsible voters with highly warranted doubts. Furthermore, an insulting campaign of scripted sound bites and printed bullet points only supported by a game of “the most political signage wins” is unacceptable.

To validate our concerns, you may now witness the “few” increasingly continue attempt to scheme, distract and manipulate you, as well as malign and attack any and all opposition. It’s their way, hopefully not yours.

 I, for one, of many, will not jeopardize nor compromise our Flathead’s future by voting for Phil Mitchell. My genuine concerns will not be trumped by political party blindness, personal emotions or self. Rather, my concerns are borne of a patriotic American belief in dutiful representation of all “we the people” in our Flathead.

Cal Scott, R-Columbia Falls, is a Flathead County commissioner.