To the Editor:

The general election is quickly approaching, and there are elective positions up and down the ballot that affect our lives significantly, from President to City Council. But one of the most significant is choosing the person to represent us in Oregon House District 59 in the Oregon Legislature.

This year we have a very clear choice. In the candidacy of Mike Ahern we have an outstandingly qualified veteran public servant who desires to represent our district in Salem. Ahern is currently a county commissioner in Jefferson County. He has long been active in local and regionwide public service. Mike is a lifelong resident of Madras and the 59th District. He has been a businessman within Jefferson County all of his adult life, and he’s currently active as a Realtor, as well as serving Jefferson County as Commissioner. He and his wife have raised their children in the public schools of Madras, and been active members of their church.

Mike Ahern has the wisdom and the good judgment to represent us in Salem. He has the guts to take stands on controversial issues and to stick by those decisions, and to take the heat. He has shown that he is not afraid of taking unpopular, principled stances on controversial issues, if he feels his position is right. He studies the issues thoroughly and has a broad background and grasp of what is going on with those of us living in the small communities of eastern and central Oregon, and the Mid-Columbia region. He is the kind of intelligent, qualified person of integrity that we need in Salem.

I urge everyone, regardless of political party affiliation, to support Mike Ahern’s candidacy for the Oregon House of Representatives, District 59.

Jack E. Lorts

Fossil