Dear Editor,
Like many other dedicated civil servants and conservation wardens before me, I’ve spent a life dedicated to family, clean government and conservation. “Dedication, Integrity, Leadership, Duty, Respect, Courage, Professionalism” These are a words on a conservation warden’s Challenge Coin. I’d add the word “Honesty” as it reminds me of the quote from Teddy Roosevelt about the need for honest politicians. “Unless a man is honest we have no right to keep him in public life”. That is why I am writing this letter. I know Ben Gruber to be honest, has integrity and he reflects those many needed qualities as a civil servant. Donald Trump continually lies, that is well documented. The incumbent for the 51st District and his supporters and their ads running on TV and radio against Ben that are ugly and far less than honest. Ads targeted at Ben, Jenna Jacobson and David Crowley are funded in a large part by just 3 billionaires who would get policies that would lower their taxes while harming workers, rural schools and farmers. We need to get big money out of politics. This next legislature has a chance to get things headed back in the direction especially on healthcare, school aid and conservation issues, This is why I am asking you to stand up and vote for honesty, integrity and real leadership, people like Ben Gruber and Jenna Jacobson who will represent your interests, not that of the billionaires. Thank you.
Thomas Thoresen Retired Deputy Chief Conservation Warden *Paid letter