Letter to the Editor in response to Dennis Hrcka

This letter is in response to Dennis Hrcka’s letter published July 22nd 2010.

Once I decided to run for county commissioner, I knew that I would be asked to participate in various questionnaires. I understood this is just part of politicking. The first one that I received was from the Shiawassee County Tea Party. I had prior knowledge that my opponent put this Litmus test together. He helped create the questions. Therefore, he knew the right way to answer them. I felt that he had the unfair advantage since he was/is the secretary of said group. I called my opponent and explained why I would not be participating in it. In my opinion, an opponent should remove oneself from any type of process they are participating in. Period.

I then received the RTL questionnaire. I feel very strongly about life so I participated. In the past, I thought that it was extremely important for a candidate to be endorsed by Right to Life. Since participating, I realized, that this is just as self serving as any other special interest group.

Once I arrived to the interview with the local sub committee, I knew that I wouldn’t be endorsed, no matter what my views are. Three of the five interviewing, are also people I saw at the Tea Party meeting in May 2010.

Needless to say, I did not get the endorsement, my opponent did. I then was curious to know who made the final decision on endorsements. I spoke with a gentleman from Grand Rapids. He explained to me that while I met all criteria, the sub committee made the final choice.

So you see, I am now skeptical of any endorsement a candidate or incumbent receives.

My motives are not at odd as Mr. Hrcka would like you to think. I just feel that the public needs to know how the vetting process work.

I am running to make a difference in this county. The county government doesn’t want me to be elected. They know that I am not afraid to represent the best interests of the people. The only allegiance I have is to the public, not the administration.