So far, I've heard some Republican insiders say things like "you just got here" or that I "haven't carried the water" through the years, referring to direct involvement in local party work. This mindset misrepresents me and other active Republicans. At some of our party meetings, even my opponent has said you're not a Republican unless you pay your money to the Party. Oh, really? Let me tell you where I've been and to whom I've paid my money. I'm sure other real Republicans have similar experiences.

For 26 years I supported the Republican Party with my most valuable offering, my loyal vote. When I had discretionary funds as a property management entrepreneur, I supported the RNC, because they reached out to me. I served in Army Special Forces during the Cold War, helping President Reagan end Soviet power overseas, though many elected officials have since allowed communists to infiltrate our country by compromising conservative principles with their go-along-to-get-along bipartisanship which I am against. I have been part of Berrien County's tax base for the past 17 years, busy raising my family here and trying to make a living in an era of ever-increasing costs of living, taxation, and public debt. As a conservative veteran, voter, and taxpayer I ask, where are the dividends for my loyalty in such compromise and in hearing "you just got here"? It's shameful that the Republicans-at-large have to set aside their busy lives and now fix what we trusted current leadership to guard on our behalf. We didn't know our freedoms were in jeopardy electing Republicans!

Now, only the involvement of true conservatives will take our Party back! I'm calling out those conservatives who have complained about the direction of the GOP or have been disappointed by its moderate stance. Start by becoming a precinct delegate; contact the County Clerk's office for instructions. Precinct delegates elect half of the Executive Committee that manages the affairs of our local party, so this is true grassroots change! And whether you are a dues-paying member or not, you can get involved by coming to the GOP Club meetings at 7:30 pm on the last Thursday of every month at the North Lincoln Senior Center. Get informed and get involved.