OPINION: ‘What’s a RINO, dad?’

As we collectively crawl through the barrage of texts, oversized mailers and misleading soundbites, we can all agree that Nov. 5 cannot come soon enough. I am always proud to cast my vote, but I am becoming increasingly discouraged by the tactics campaigns are using to earn that support. Historically, living in Eagle River, local campaigns have avoided ugly attacks, vandalism and other examples of winning at any cost. But the grimy underbelly of extreme politics is slowly making its way up north. And unfortunately, this year my son and I witnessed it firsthand.

Driving to our neighborhood Fred Meyer, my son asked what was spray-painted on one of Kelly Merrick’s signs. Having played on the same team as one of Kelly’s kids for years, he knew her well and was confused as to why someone would destroy her sign. I looked at the large letters “R-I-N-O” spelled out with spray-paint across her sign. As a father of three, I’ve learned over the years when an opportunity arrives to talk about something serious with a 13-year-old, you pounce.

I talked to him about what it means to be a Republican. I told him that at its core, the Republican party recognizes that individual citizens are capable, powerful and innovative. With this lens, Republicans view the government’s role as affording the freedom to maximize everyone’s potential with as little interference as possible. Our country was founded on free enterprise and innovation; values that led us to economic success which can continue into the future. If our government practices fiscal responsibility, it takes less from our hard-earned dollars; allowing families to achieve financial security, businesses to grow, and for everyone to benefit from stronger economies.

I also took the opportunity to talk with my son about values that his mom and I share, which we believe are rooted in conservative tenets and required for effective public service. I explained that these values include cooperation, finding alignment in the midst of disagreement, building common ground and supporting commonsense legislation.

As I walked through these concepts, it reinforced Merrick’s foundation and alignment with these values and beliefs, which she has proven repeatedly in Juneau.

So what did she do that warrants the destruction of her property? I guess it was because she agreed to be a part of the Senate Majority. This majority combined both Republicans and Democrats to work together. In this process, some Democrats held the top seat on certain committees. But it also gave Kelly the ability to sit on the Finance Committee. This committee sees every piece of legislation that has a fiscal note, something that every Republican should want to control if you have the same beliefs as listed above. If she had opted out, this would not have been possible.

As a voter born and raised in Alaska, I want a senator who has a seat at the table and can represent my community’s views and perspectives when potential laws are being drafted or contemplated. When the Legislature makes decisions on how to spend the state’s money, that person should be there from the very beginning. I want someone skilled enough to negotiate with others, collaborate on how to get things done, and stand up for our community’s values. These are things that Merrick has done since Day One, which is why she won our community’s vote as a representative, as a senator, and hopefully continues to represent Eagle River into the future.

“So they wrote ‘RINO’ on her sign because she wanted to work with people to get things done?” my son asked. He’s right, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it?

John Sims is the CEO of Enstar. He is an Eagle River parent and lifelong Alaskan.

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