The 2020 election is upon us, and on the national scene, there are shenanigans aplenty. It’s easy to get fired up about the power brokering in Washington, but in the end, it’s the decisions made here in our towns, county and state that carry the most sway in our daily lives.
To that end, I would like to urge the citizens of Montgomery County to vote for Summer Ervin for county council.
Ervin brings a fresh and needed perspective into county government. If elected, she will be the first woman to serve on the seven-member council in nearly 18 years. Citizens need to see themselves and their ideas reflected in the makeup of their leaders otherwise it causes people (young ones in particular) to shut down and disengage. Summer wants to actively recruit women and people of color to assume leadership roles so that our institutions reflect the varied tapestry of people who call our county home.
With her academic background in health science along with an advanced degree in public health, Ervin brings a rigorous, scientific and logical mind to bear on our local problems many of which have proved intractable as pseudoscience seeps into policy decisions. As, hopefully, COVID tide fades into history, Ervin is well-placed to help the county learn from our successes and mistakes and transform that into effective public policy. Facts and the common good, not emotional appeals based on fear mongering or selfish aims, should carry the day.
What’s more, though a strong academic record and excellent career accomplishments are well and good, I can also say unequivocally that Ervin is a delightful person with whom to work and treats all with respect. Having attended rancorous public meetings where government officials treat people with whom they disagree with disdain, she will instead listen empathetically and respectfully seek common ground.
Ervin will serve the people of Montgomery County well, and she deserves your vote.
Paul Utterback
Crawfordsville
