Doctors Pam and Forrest Bird
Dr. Pam Bird and Dr. Forrest M. Bird sent a nearly 700 word endorsement to the Daily Bee and that far exceeded the Bee’s length limits. The Publisher of the Bonner County Daily Bee allowed the edited letter to have a notice to the reader that they could view the original version here on the website. Pam told me in her email that it was for the Bee and for my website. I am deeply humbled that Pam and Forrest wrote this letter . Here is original, unedited letter.
October 24, 2007
Mr. Dan Young
Rainbow Realty, Inc.
Dear Dan,
You are a successful small business owner and understand rules, regulations, planning and zoning, taxation, small business common sense issues, and the risks that business owners incur on a daily basis. We think you have knowledge and experience in realizing the direct issues in the Sandpoint Community: rapid growth and the associated stress with public services, including police, fire, road, education, affordable housing, common affordable overall health care issues and the limited medical services currently available, as well as other services required in a small town that faces the many “fast growth” problems.
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to make the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center opening ceremonies a great success. We know first hand that you value the importance of education and strive for the continuation of studies in math and science—especially since you are a local graduate of Sandpoint High School and definitely a Bulldog fan.
Your efforts were countless in making the opening of the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center a success. You volunteered to master the music sound system and work with the 150 plus volunteers who helped. Not only then, but you are constantly working behind the scenes with little credit given (Bashful Dan) as most people are not aware of what you give and give and give to this community. If the Boy Scouts need you, you are there. If the Girl Scouts need you, you are there. If nearly any youth, civic, non-profit organization needs you, you are there doing anything from running the sound systems, playing music, being the DJ, flipping hamburgers, setting up tables and doing the dishes afterwards. Your civic duties speak for themselves. No wonder you were elected Sandpoint’s Citizen of the Year in 2005, and were a recipient of the Governor’s Brightest Star Award in 2004.
Thank you not only for your service to the community by way of the museum, but also for being directly involved in some of the other community organizations and events such as: the National Association of Retarded Children and serving on the State Board of Directors for the TORCH Club by being among the first contingent of the athletes ever to attend the State Special Olympic Games in Boise; Cancer Relay for Life; Lost in the 50’s; by hosting Speak UP North Idaho; by creating the Rally in the Valley—Honoring Americana and those who serve their country.
Speaking about those who serve, especially since Forrest served in three wars, WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, we want you to know how much we appreciate what you have done for our country by serving 13 years of your life in the United States Air Force (USAF) and earning the Humanitarian Service Medal and the USAF Commendation Medal not once but twice while in the military.
Do you have at heart what is in the best interest for the Sandpoint community? We believe so. You are a successful small business owner and understand rules, regulations, planning and zoning requirements and restrictions, taxation, small business common sense issues that each and every business owner must face on a daily basis, and the everyday risks involved when one owns a business. You understand the time dedication with 80 hour work weeks, liability, risks, the ups and downs, etc., which every small business owner incurs each and every day in order to make a living and simply survive.
Again, we simply want to thank you for what you have done, are doing and will continue to do for our community. We support you in the upcoming election.
As ever,
Forrest and Pam Bird
Dear Pam and Forrest,
From the bottom of my heart, to the top of my heart…thank you. My Dad would love to be with us right now. I can see that “Jack” smile every moment of every day.
Big Hug,
Dan
Dan,
It’s clear that the Bird’s are thoughtful and concerned voters who recognize that you offer the community much more than just a smile, a laugh, and a breath of fresh air, although those are important and much needed as well. Anyone who knows you and understands what you do for the community knows that you do what you do because you care deeply. There is no better reason to run for city council, and no better qualification, although you have many of both. I hope enough people will get the chance to hear this message before Tuesday - good luck!