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A Republican for a Democrat

| October 25, 2006 11:00 PM

This Republican is supporting Mark Crowley for Commissioner!

I usually vote Republican for many reasons; however there are times when you have to look very closely at the candidate and not just vote straight down your party line. I have done this on several occasions and current Commissioner, Joe Brenneman, was another good example of why I made a conscious effort to switch my party last election.

The next County Commissioner vote is the most important one for the future of this valley. The County Commissioner job is a huge one that must be done with as much attention to detail as possible. These details can make the difference between disastrous projects and quality development. Mark Crowley has this experience. He is a construction manager in the Pubic Works Department for the city of Kalispell, a former senior planner for Flathead County, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Kalispell. Mark has served as Vice Chairman and Chairman (2 terms) of the Association of Montana Floodplain Managers. He invites all to meet and chat with him while taking a walk on the Rails to Trails in Kalispell at 12 noon on Fridays that he has directed since 2000. Mark will not be a commissioner who is not easy to meet and talk with.

Having met with Mark Crowley on several occasions, I'm more than convinced he not only has the expertise but the commitment to protect what is important to all of us as we live, work and play here. Urban sprawl without attention to good sound general planning concepts has been the norm so far. Do we want more rubber stamp development and a commissioner that is afraid to speak out for what is right, or easily coerced into a decision that is wrong? This lady is proud to say I will sleep better at night knowing I cast my vote in the right direction.

Linda Johnson/Kalispell