Heartened to know Fern will represent Whitefish in Helena

Editor’s note: This letter was addressed Democrat Dave Fern who was elected last week to serve as representative for House District 5.

Your 24 years on the Whitefish School Board are coming to an end. I’ve marveled at your hard work, patience, intellect, even temper, and knowledge of what makes government functional and good. You’ve seen to the best interests of students, teachers, administrators, civic leaders, and parents for a generation at least. You’ll be missed.

Even Democratic state legislative candidates who just won convincing victories must accept a painful loss with composure, grace and dignity. Now, you and others on both sides of the aisle must help us reinvent ourselves enough to begin healing all the deep wounds this election inflicted.

We’re hearing how the Montana GOP confidently expects president-elect Donald Trump’s federal legislative bounty to heal some difficult internal divisions. A long, hard fought presidential campaign that devalued the bounds of acceptable behavior leaves Montana divided more deeply than just along internal party lines.

All Montanans — Democrats and Republicans — share a singular love for our state, and thus each other. Now the shoe is suddenly on a different foot. Come January, will victorious Montana GOP leaders governing from a position of greater strength, work with Democrats like you — with composure, grace and dignity in victory that equals yours — to heal a deepened, even wider divide?

I choose to presume the best of my fellow citizens. I’m heartened to know that you’ll be among the first to put all that behind us — where it belongs - water under the bridge.

I’m proud and gratified to have joined many in your principled and honorable election effort. Amid flames of hate and despair, your clean, positive campaign sustained my hopes for a better future.

Still volunteering for CASA, keeping pace with a physically demanding, full-time day job, you knocked on over 5,000 doors on foot or bike. I’ll always remember you for not accepting a car ride that one rainy day. Dog-bitten twice, up all those long, steep mountain roads and driveways, your sudden unexpected appearance surprised and impressed the geographically remote. You’ll work just as hard in Helena because that’s who you are — you care about what matters to all of us. Supporters or not, you’ll represent everyone who lives in the District that elected you with equal vigor and backbone.

Style points are awarded for inviting your opponent out for graduation breakfast. In private and public, you regarded him with genuine respect and concern, never once uttering a single negative word against him, aloud or in print. What shouldn’t be remarkable or unusual in any political contest, is exceptionally true about this one.

You proved that it’s possible to win an election without campaigning negatively. Congratulations. That’s an achievement worth noting in 2016.

And now the real work begins. You’ve dedicated yourself to serving the four full terms in HD 5 that limits allow. You’ll lead by example, wisely, reaching across the aisle. Taking the long view, and a centrist’s approach, you’ll make an outstanding legislator. Peers of all stripes will hold you in high esteem — many already do.

You’re a genuine statesman at heart, someone every parent can point to, the real deal. Thank you for running for something that will cost you more than you will gain. Thank you too Heather.

A salute and heartfelt tip of the ol’ white sennit straw boater hat (with a red, white and blue striped grosgrain ribbon around the flat crown and brim) to your worthy Republican opponent Chet Billi.

Finally, congratulations — everyone — on electing Dave Fern to the House District 5 legislative seat.

Scott Wurster, Whitefish