Letter to the Editor: "I support Melissa O'Rourke"

"I support Melissa O'Rourke.  I have met Floyd Ashbacker several times, often having excellent cordial visits at the Winnesheik County Fair where the Democratic booth (my party) is in proximity to the booth Floyd is represented, the Republican booth. So, my endorsement of Melissa O'Rourke for County Supervisor in the 2nd District of Winneshiek County is by no means an attack on Floyd. This is an endorsement because my allegiance is to Democratic Party values and priorities.

Melissa O'Rourke, since I met her and her husband Joe Skoda several years ago through community activism and political functions, wins my support and my vote because their community activism is best aligned with mine.

Immigration for example. Melissa presents "Why Don't They Just Get In-Line" throughout NE Iowa on the important topic of immigration and she does so in such a way that it opens one's eyes to the realities of what immigrants from all over the world deal with wanting to come to this great country. This can be an emotional topic, but Melissa is skilled at taking the issue apart and explaining it so people understand the harsh realities of immigration, particularly so with immigrants of limited means.

Additionally, Melissa, an attorney by trade, is strong in public discourse and think-on-your-feet professionalism. I have seen her in small and large gathering's address a variety of issues as she listens intently to what the questioner asks, reflects their words, and then articulates where she stands on the issue. And why! She takes a stand. That is a skill I want my elected representative at every level to possess. Winneshiek County will be well served with Melissa's skill set.

Agriculture. I'm not a farmer but having several in my family I know the look and sound of proud agricultural people. Though their goat herd may not make them farmers per-se, they know the ins & outs of maintaining livestock and commitment to the land because of it; you see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices when they talk about it. Plus, their maintaining a herd shows me that Melissa and Joe are not singularly focused people. Always healthy!

Lastly, and important to me particularly now, Melissa is a woman. A strong, successful, engaged in community woman who has had to make tough choices throughout her career. Just like many men have had to do. But our government, at every level, needs more women in the seats of decision making and Winneshiek County has an opportunity to do so in Supervisor District 2.

I genuinely like Floyd, this is not personal, it's political. In a healthy civil democracy this is what we do – we make choices, we cast our vote, then we build our future together. I'm casting my vote for Melissa O'Rourke for County Supervisor."