Dear Editor: Thank You for Allowing Me to Serve SW Montana

Dear Editor,

I'm proud to have lived a life committed to public service, but serving as your Representative for the past six years has been the honor of a lifetime. While I am disappointed to not be returning to Helena for one more term to work on your behalf, I will leave office deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

We live in an increasingly divisive time. I believe SW Montana can be a leader in showing not just the rest of the state, but the entire country, how neighbors can come together to support each other, regardless of the political party jersey they wear. Having grown up here and spending most of my life in Twin Bridges, I know this community is built on a strong foundation.

Let's not let that foundation crumble by giving in to hyperpartisanship. Let's treat our neighbors with respect.

Our democracy works when people show up to participate, and when politicians are accountable to the people. Thank you to everyone who voted in this election full of millions of dollars in slanderous out-of-state special interest spending. I refused to attack my opponent, and I'm proud to have run a clean campaign focused on my record and results for SW Montana.

But the voters always have the final say, and I respect the will of the voters who chose a different direction.

My commitment to this community will not change. I will look for other ways to serve my neighbors, fighting for Montana values and our way of life. I will leave office at the end of this year proud of delivering real property tax relief to my constituents, passing balanced budgets, helping steward our natural resources while advocating for Montana's ag industries, and expanding services and support for Veterans.

Thank you to all of my supporters who provided spiritual and financial support, hung a sign, wrote a letter to the editor, or just shared words of encouragement these past few months. Your belief in me and our shared values mean the world to me and my family.

As I often say, "the sun will still come up in the morning." The sun continues to rise over SW Montana, and I'm grateful every day to live, work, and serve in this community.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to serve you.

KEN WALSH

Former HD69 Representative