Honoring the past, readying the future: Republicans host Lincoln Day Celebration
David Pace
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bonneville and Bingham County GOP honored long-time, former state legislator Dean Mortimer, who served for 14 years in Idaho’s Legislature, at the annual Lincoln Day dinner Saturday.
Mortimer received the “Bonneville County Republican Party Public Service Award.”
Idaho Sen. Dave Lent shared an original poem, “The Measure of a Good Man,” in tribute to Mortimer.
“In quiet ways a life is knownNot by noise and power shown,But steady work from year to year,A faithful voice that others hear.
“He walked the halls where our laws are madeYet never sought the grand parade.With careful thought and patient hand,He served the people of this land.”
(You can see the full poem at the end of this article.)
“I think that ultimately what this event tonight showed is that we have the ability to come together as Republicans under Reagan’s big tent, and that’s what we have emphasized,” said Michael Colson, Chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee. “That’s what we have promised to the voters that we were going to bring in more Republicans to Bonneville County to support the kind of conservative policies and principles that have made our state and our county great.”
Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke delivered the keynote address.
“Why is Idaho the best place to live, work and to raise a family?” he asked. “It’s because we always have paid attention to the fundamentals of government. We’ve always lived within the taxpayers’ means. We’ve always defended the Constitution. We’ve always supported the law enforcement and first responders in our community.”
But Rep. Mike Simpson acknowledged the complexity and discord present in politics as well.
“Yes, there’s arguments. There’s debates and fights – not fistfights – but there’s fights and all that kind of stuff. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. “I would not want a government that was too easy, because a government that can do things easily – even if it’s something that makes sense – can do bad things easily.”
Overall, the event focused on commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and readying for the future.
The Bonneville County GOP will be holding multiple forums for the public to meet and learn the positions of candidates who are interested in running, Colson said.
Idaho’s primary elections are May 19.
Tribute to Former Idaho State Senator Dean Mortimer
The Measure of a Good Man
In quiet ways a life is knownNot by noise and power shown,But steady work from year to yearA faithful voice that others hear.
He walked the halls where our laws are madeYet never sought the grand parade.With careful thought and patient handHe served the people of this land.
Consistency is his wayThe same in word from day to dayNot swayed by winds that quickly turnBut guided by the truths he has learned.
His faith in God is clean and clear,A compass held both far and near.In moments calm and under strainsIt is the ground on which he remains.
At home, his truest place of pride,Where love and laughter does resideHis heart belongs first and always thereTo the wife with whom eternity he shares.
Through every season – side by side Her steady love – his truest guide,A partnership built firm and trueIn quiet strength that always grew.
A father’s care, a grandfather’s graceWarm kindness written upon his faceFor family is his greatest workThe place from which no man should shirk.
He measures success not by acclaimNor by a spotlight on his nameBut by the lives he helped to riseNew doors opened to clearer skies.
Dean believes that helping others growIs the richest work a man can know.To lift a friend, encourage a startAnd plant good courage and mend a heart.
A Scout leader who showed the wayThrough campfire light and break of day,Not just in words, but life displayedThe Oath and Law – more than just Scouts he made.
And yes with humor, warm and plain,He loves his cheese without refrainA simple joy, a shared delightAt family tables late at night.
So let the record show it’s trueA life of service carried throughSteady in purpose – strong, yet kind,The measure of a faithful mind.
For some build towers – tall and grandAnd some leave quiet marks upon the land,But those like Dean, who served with heart and care,Leave something more precious, More precious everywhere.
– Senator Dave Lent