Editor:

I am writing to thank Mark Gordon for stepping out into the world of politics. It takes a great deal of bravery to run for an elected office, putting oneself out there for criticism. Mark has not spent his life preparing to run this race, but he has spent his life immersed in our Wyoming lifestyle. If elected he will be our voice. He will have our wonderful state's best interest at heart.

Although I have always voted, I am not of any great political intelligence. However, I do recognize a characteristic that makes a politician stand out above the others - the person truly cares. They do not care about making themselves great, but about making the city, county or state that they represent better. They care about protecting the place they call home. They care about listening to and speaking for the people they serve. Mark is this type of politician.

Years ago, I first noticed Mark while dropping my son off at soccer practice. I was touched to see him coaching his young daughter's soccer teams. I had heard of the sad loss of their mother and was impressed at how he was really there for his girls.

Later, I got to know Mark better while helping with the drama program in which his daughter is a member. We can always count on him and Jennie to help with set building, take down, etc. Mark is a dad who is involved with his children's activities. He has their best interest at heart. He is a husband who is devoted to his wife as she is devoted to him. Mark cares for his family.

The second thing I noticed about Mark is his cutting edge use of alternative energy. Long before the whole world started talking about global warming and being green, Mark was practicing green principles at his home and ranch. Mark cares about our planet.

Mark is a well-respected rancher in Buffalo. He is active in our community. He takes time to stop, chat and listen to his many friends in Johnson County. We are very lucky to have such a person running to represent our great state. Mark cares about Wyoming.

I appreciate him for caring enough to run for a seat in our U.S. House of Representatives.

NANCY TABB, Buffalo