Letter to the Editor

Candidates speak out II -- Mark Christensen

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Mark is used to taking on hard tasks. He took on a widow with three children. I am the oldest of those three children.

Since he married my mother, I have seen Mark make the best of everything in all seasons.

Parenting is no easy task, especially with an adolescent step-daughter. Mark never gave up, and now he is a best friend to me.  

District 44 needs someone who won't give up; one who will diligently persevere to do the best for our communities and businesses.

As a family, our finances rely completely on his farm and small commodity brokerage firm.

Mark knows what it takes to raise a family in western Nebraska, and he will protect all families.

As a farmer, Mark has to work long hours. To compensate, Mark often takes us kids with him. Whether it is irrigating, driving a tractor, or feeding cattle, Mark had us along, teaching us what to do.

It was through Mark that my love of agriculture developed. I am a senior in college and want to move back to western Nebraska.

I look forward to Mark being in the Legislature, being that voice for all young adults needing jobs in western Nebraska. We need a voice to protect the water and the economy.

As a state senator, Mark will be gone a lot. However, as many of you have seen already, we have all worked as a family during the campaign.

It is a family effort. As a family, we are unified on this.

Running for office does come with sacrifices, yet we feel that it is the right thing at the right time. Mark would never do anything to compromise our family, the 44th District, or the State.

Mark has been the protective father I needed after my dad died, and I know he will be a great protector for the District as well.

Education is a frequent topic of discussion in our house. If you meet our family, you will know that not one of us seven children are much alike.

None of us learn the same way. Mark and Mom have been actively involved in each of our educations.

I attended public school, and my siblings do, too. Mark understands the education system for the stereotypical student as well as for the special student.

I have a handicapped brother who requires specialized education. There are also health costs. 

Mark realizes the health costs associated with being self-employed, and he realizes the need for good health care to be available for everyone.

Mark has not only been a great farmer, broker, and community leader, but he is also a great father -- which is the most important job.

I have the utmost confidence in his ability to be a voice for the district that I am proud to call home.

As a fellow voter, I support Mark for the Legislature. As the spokesperson for the other six children, "we hope you vote for our dad, Mark Christensen on Nov. 7."

 **Erica Fish

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