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Candidate is a family man with business ethics

by Randy Hargraves
| May 23, 2012 8:01 AM

I have some important information that I am certain will be of great benefit to your readership about Ben Stormes. Ben is a candidate running for the office of Flathead County Commissioner for District 1 in the coming election.

This of course is not news; however, what I believe to be important information are the things that I know about Ben that once revealed to your readership will undoubtedly make him their and I believe your candidate as well.

Before I get on about Ben, you must know the driving force behind him is a dynamic partnership with the most beautiful and intelligent women that you would ever want to meet. When you meet Jennifer, you will understand, truly an amazing person and a great teacher.

Ben called me the other day, and as we were talking he confided in me and I am certain he would rather I not tell you for his modesty’s sake, that he was glad that he was once again able to get on his knees in prayer. That I leave to your readership to ponder, but his failing knees and subsequent replacement surgery had taken a large part of who this man is away from him. Ben is a good steward.

When the economy started to sour back here in Detroit several years ago, and the Stormes family concluded it was time to sell the family manufacturing business, I was privy to some of Ben’s deliberation in that process. The part of that process that is most telling of this man’s character is that the highest bidder does not own the Stormes’ family business today. Ben sold to the company that best guaranteed the future employment and security of the employees and families that had depended upon the Stormes for so long to maintain their livelihood. Ben is a man of good character and loyalty.

Over the years that I have known Ben, I have always admired him for what a devoted family man that he is. Come the end of the day, there is nothing that gets in the way of Ben sitting down to dinner with his family and giving thanks. The telling part is that the family is glad for it. What higher honor is there than that? Ben is a family man.

In a business dealing, I asked Ben about maximizing profit and cutting the suppliers price. Ben told me that is not how you build relationships or good business, as each party involved needed to earn a fair profit for their effort, rather they were working hourly wages or bidding a contract. Ben does understand exchange and business well.

Because of Ben Stormes’ character, values and goodness, we entrusted him to be the godfather to our son. Personally, I do not think you can do much better for representative. I am a veteran, and I know this about Ben.

People of District 1, when Ben Stormes is elected, you will have a man duly and truly well recommended that most assuredly will have your back!

Randy Hargraves lives in Taylor, Mich.