It is really hard to sit back and watch all of the negative campaign messages that plague our election year media sources. Having to explain this to a child who is studying the political process in seventh grade history class has really driven this point home for me. It's no wonder surveys show negative campaigning works because it is 90 percent of what our young people grow up being exposed to in campaigns and it's getting worse.
I will support State Rep. John Ward on Nov. 4 but I will take no shots at his opponent. I truly believe all candidates should be shown a level of respect for having the courage to subject themselves to election year attacks and for accepting the call to service. I choose to support John primarily because of his work to provide all children the opportunity for success through a quality public education.
I also support John Ward because I know that he has been a tireless and dedicated advocate for the Brainerd lakes area. I have personally witnessed him interact with students, adults in the workforce, individuals with disabilities, business owners, athletes, senior citizens and a number of folks whose views differ from his own over a period of 20-plus years.
He has a gift of making every person and point of view, feel valued and is genuinely interested in hearing all perspectives to help shape his own. John has used his people skills to attain bipartisan success and recognition at the Capitol and I would like to see him back in St. Paul working hard for our lakes area communities.
Tim Edinger
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Nisswa
