Editor, Times-Union: Over the past six months it has been an absolute honor to canvass, march in parades and accompany our next state representative, David Kolbe, to candidate forums. I have enjoyed watching David interact with the public to understand the needs and concerns of middle-class families across Kosciusko and Elkhart counties. However, one such parade reaffirmed to me why David Kolbe is the most experienced, qualified and above all else, committed candidate in the District 22 race. A few weeks ago, Nappanee hosted its famous Apple Festival parade. Before the parade started, as the various floats were lining up, David took the opportunity to introduce himself to marchers of the different organizations. Candidate Kolbe had a very productive conversation with volunteers of Rep. Jackie Walorski, and although he will most likely not receive their votes, David seeks out diverse opinions. Unfortunately, David's opponent seemed to have no interest in interacting with the public or anyone outside of his small group of volunteers. Although the Kolbe campaign was lined up directly behind his float, the extremist opponent made no attempt to introduce himself. Just before the parade began, David posed for a picture with his volunteers in front of his Ford Thunderbird convertible. Instead of waiting a few seconds to allow the photographer to snap the picture, the extremist candidate decided to yell, “Hey, guys, let’s photobomb them!” This type of childish behavior is OK if you’re a teenager at a football game, but not a man seeking to represent 40,000 people. It is for this reason that many have questioned the qualifications (or lack thereof) and the maturity of Mr. Kolbe’s opponent. Furthermore, as the parade began, Mr. Kolbe chose not to ride comfortably in his convertible, but to instead walk the entire parade route. David wanted to shake as many hands as possible and to personally introduce himself to voters. Candidate Kolbe also wanted to make himself available to answer any questions of parade goers. The same could not be said of the extremist nominee. Instead of making an effort to get to know the people he seeks to represent, he chose to ride through the parade on his float. For Mr. Kolbe, the end of the parade was only the beginning of his day at the Apple Festival. David decided to walk the entire parade route backward so he could better interact with the public. Mr. Kolbe spoke with senior citizens worried about the job outlook of their children and grandchildren as well as parents concerned about the education their children are receiving. Mr. Kolbe then spent an hour at the local Chamber of Commerce interacting with citizens and business leaders. After mingling with the crowds in the carnival area, Mr. Kolbe finally left Nappanee for another event at 3 p.m., a full three hours after the parade ended. Unfortunately, the opposition was long gone before the rest of the parade had even ended. We deserve a candidate who will go the extra mile for us in Indianapolis. That person is, without a doubt, David Kolbe. Throughout his long career as a prosecutor, lecturer and philanthropist, Mr. Kolbe has worked tirelessly for his clients and the community. He looks forward to doing the same for us as our next state representative. Be bold, Kolbe! Brian Smith Communications Director Kolbe For State Rep. Leesburg, via email
