Published: April 09, 2008 10:17 am      

A recommendation for Carlin Yoder’s candidacy

I was encouraged to hear recently that Carlin Yoder of Middlebury has decided to run for the state Senate seat vacated by Marvin Riegsecker. It is vitally important that we replace Riegsecker with another conservative voice who has also lived a life of service and integrity.

Having known Carlin for many years, I know that when Carlin speaks of promoting strong family values it is not something that he has found important just in time for an election, but something that has been an important part of his lifestyle for as long as I have known him.

When I evaluate someone’s ability to lead, the first thing that I look for is what is at their core. While no one is perfect, if a person’s lifestyle is markedly different than the values he publicly claims to uphold, how can that person be trusted?

I know that when Carlin speaks of standing up for the family, he stands up faithfully for his own family first and will do the same for his neighbors and friends in Elkhart County. When he speaks of being the strong pro-life candidate, he has led by being willing to adopt a child of his own. When he speaks of easing the tax burden on Indiana families like mine, he understands that the government needs to stop wasteful spending just like every Hoosier family needs to do to balance their own budgets.

Because Carlin lives the values he speaks of, it gives me the confidence that he has the passion to fight for those same values in Indianapolis. I would encourage others in this district to look closely at the character of all those running for public office. Character does matter and that is why I am supporting Carlin Yoder for state Senate in District 12.

— Steve Troyer

Goshen