Letter to the Editor: Dear House District 38 voters

As Colfax City Administrator, I’m breaking with the sage advice that city officials remain more neutral than Switzerland, in all elections. Not a departure I arrived at lightly. A registered Independent (dirty swing voter), I value the character of the individual more than party affiliation.

Brad Magg’s an excellent Colfax City Council member. He’s prepared, he asks good questions. City councils (for now) are comparatively less partisan than state or federal office. Still, occasionally our mayor and council stray into divisive behavior – then Brad has a unique ability to see both sides of the argument and contribute professional, composed input that deescalates a disagreement. While Brad is outgoing and affable, his listen to talk ratio is high, especially for an aspiring politician. Brad won’t show up and talk to you at length while campaigning, ghost you while in office, then say you’ve tarnished your non-existent relationship when you call him on it.

A remarkable council member, but an even better private citizen; Brad has served on our Main Street Board since its inception in 2008 and on our city council since 2010. Colfax faced losing our century-old pharmacy on its preeminent intersection; Brad worked to save it. If elected, he won’t forget Colfax. Colfax is trending up because of people like Brad. I sleep easy with the knowledge this is something he’ll continue to be a part of his entire life.

Brad possesses all the traits of great friends. He never fails to ask how my family is and with Brad it’s not just small talk. He, even though he’s not a dog person or a hunter, will sit with you quietly for hours when your bird dog’s life is cut tragically short; calling daily to check on you in the weeks that follow. While compassionate, he’s quite capable of giving you tough love when needed. None of this requires a political affiliation.

Bills like House File 718 have gutted city budgets with bipartisan support. Brad, a proud product of our public school system, is not afraid to make tough budgetary decisions, striving constantly to do more with less. However, councilperson Magg also understands that sooner or later less is less.

I encourage you to look not at the letters behind the candidate’s name, but at the professional and personal skill set.

Magg you’re it.

Wade Wagoner

Altoona