Letter to the editor

I wish to take this opportunity to do two things. First, I would like to announce that I have filed for the republican nomination for the office of Carter County Commissioner, District 3. Along with this, I wanted to take this opportunity, for those who do not know me, to get to know me a little better. I will of course be visiting with many of you during the course of the campaign, and look forward to doing so, but for those who do not know me I will attempt to make this brief and look forward to visiting with all about their concerns for the county and its way forward.

I was born in NW Missouri, moved to Oklahoma with my family in high school, attended the university of Oklahoma, earning a BA and attended Oklahoma City University earning a Masters of Criminal Justice Administration. While in graduate school I went to work for the state of Oklahoma.

In 1985, I left Oklahoma and went into private business with my brother and moved to Springfield, MO. Shortly thereafter, I started Trophies Plus Outfitters, and in the early 90’s moved to Belle Fourche, SD where I met my wife Esther. In 1999, with our two children who were still at home, we moved to Alzada. I won’t confuse you with names, but all total; hers, mine, and ours, we have 6 children, with three living in SD and the other three split between Kalispell, MT and TX.

In 2006, Sheriff Jardee called me. He had heard that I had experience in law enforcement and he said he needed a man in the area to help him out part-time. As most of you know, the part-time quickly became full-time. Since then, I have been the deputy in Alzada, plus ran my outfitting Co. in MT and WY.

My wife and I built our house in 2001, at least the start. It seems, as all husbands know, there is always one more project. But I can truthfully say it has been a labor of love and we cannot fathom living anywhere else but Carter County.

During the course of my time in Carter County, I have been fortunate to get to know many of you. I feel that I have a good understanding of the needs and priorities of the county. That is why I am running for this position. I welcome talking with anyone about these needs, whether a District 3 item or not, because we as commissioners are charged with overseeing the whole county, not just a single district. I know what it is like to run a business not only on a budget, but also like any agricultural based business, on a once per year paycheck that can be dependent on conditions to which you have no control over; weather, the nation’s economy, and so on. I want this county to thrive and to keep our way of life intact!

To this end please feel free to call me, stop me when you see me, or whatever you need to do. I want to hear from you so I can make informed decisions that will positively impact yours and my family’s lives.

Thank you for your consideration,

Mike Watkins