REGAN: Soaring toward the future

The first time I met Brent Regan was at the 1996 Oshkosh Wisconsin AirVenture airshow. I had flown to Oshkosh in my latest design, the Boomerang, and Brent had just won the Great Cross Country Race in the Lancair IV-P he built. Since then we have become friends.

Brent understands that our children will build the future, but the future they build will be limited to what they can imagine. When I was young, the ‘Race to Space’ captured the imagination of my generation. Fifteen years ago it inspired me to dream; to reach way beyond my job developing airplanes and to make those dreams a reality. I set out to do the unthinkable; to develop a manned space program without the Government’s help. In 2004, with financial support from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen we reached our goal – the first commercial spaceship and first private astronaut.

Recently I was delighted to hear that Brent was willing to serve as an unpaid Trustee on our local school board. His analytical skills, problem solving abilities and willingness to listen to other views are, and will be put to good use in addressing the issues facing our schools. Our mutual friend Bill Whittle said it best: “Brent doesn’t need the job. The job needs him.”

Brent has an impressive list of accomplishments since his appointment to the School Board just four months ago. Prior to that, Brent advocated for Free Market Health Care and Private Property Rights. It was through Brent that I met Senators Vick, Nonini and Goedde and Representatives Sims, Barbieri and Henderson, who have all told me they appreciate the work Brent has accomplished for North Idaho.

I encourage you to vote on May 21st for Brent Regan, the best choice for our schools, our children and the future.

BURT RUTAN

Coeur d’Alene