I have come across many vocal people as of late regarding the upcoming election and our candidates for District 3 Supervisor.  I am interested in the ethics and character of our future representative and I believe one candidate far exceeds the other. 

Marshall Long is the vote I will be casting. Marshall Long has proven himself, throughout the years, in various situations and circumstances that were simply a part of his daily life. He was not planning a run for Supervisor years ago when he was involved with the Columbia State Park government and he has always maintained (by example)  his love and respect for our open lands and the importance of the agricultural needs of our community. He understands small business and the need for careful progress. For him t he past 10 years have not been strategized to get to this point. While he is involved with our community he is not a "high eye" representative of a dozen separate groups looking for entries on a resume`. 'Check one, check two, smile big for the camera' is not his style. I have not seen him blindly follow any government official in particular and he operates on a fair and impartial level from what I have seen.

Many times this election season I have come across advertisements from his opponent that I feel were intentionally misleading. There have been pictures of her standing behind the BOS desk/counter(?) in our government building and many of her propaganda eludes that she is an incumbent. Advertisements should make clear either "vote" or "elect" and all of hers do not. If this is not a clear rule it is at least about integrity.

I have met many of Marshall Long's supporters and campaign helpers and the diversity of this group is overwhelming! These are not people you might expect to see at a dinner party together but they see far enough ahead to know a good shot when it comes. Marshall is our shot. He is our chance at growing economically and living realistically in our beautiful piece of heaven here. I believe his presence on the BOS will make a difference for the good and be of positive consequence for us all. I encourage a vote for Marshall Long.

Vicki Hurst
Mariposa County Resident