Son supports Dad for senator
Over the last several months, many people have asked me why I am giving so much of my time to volunteer for my Dad, Dave Fern, for Senate District 2. There are many reasons why I believe Dave is the best candidate to represent the North Valley, but I will narrow it down to a few quality traits that I observed firsthand while growing up.
My Dad has always been the hardest worker that I know. Often, Dave would come home from sweeping chimneys, clean up and be off to a school board meeting. He was always prepared in advance for each meeting, spending hours reviewing documents and budgets. In the 20 years Dave has been on the school board, he has only missed one meeting, and this was to attend my little brother’s college graduation in New York.
Dave is a strong proponent of quality education. He encouraged me to always do my best in school, teaching me from an early age that achievement and focus on education would open up many doors in my life. After high school, I attended Flathead Valley Community College (which my Dad has always recognized as a quality institution) and then transferred my earned credits to the University of Montana, where I graduated with an accounting degree.
Both of my siblings also followed Dave’s advice and have graduated with degrees in engineering and nursing. Through Dave’s many years of experience on the local school board, he has highlighted education as one of his top priorities. If elected to Helena, he will use his considerable knowledge and research to ensure that every child in Montana receives a quality education.
Although my Dad was busy with work and volunteering, he has shaped his life around being a family man, spending 30 great years in marriage partnership with my Mom. He spent many hours during my childhood playing basketball and tennis with me at the park behind our house, later scheduling work around extra-curricular events. His efforts on behalf of his family illustrate his ability to collaborate and consider the needs of others, which will prove to be invaluable traits in serving Montana in our Senate.
When looking back at everything my Dad has done for me, I clearly grasp why I am dedicating my time to Dave’s run for Senate. He has instilled in me the values of hard work, honesty and integrity, and I know that he will practice these values if elected to represent the North Valley. Dave’s skill as a Dad will also make him a great senator. I ask you all to consider voting in this election for my Dad, Dave Fern, for Senate District 2.
Daniel Fern lives in Whitefish.