Invest in industry's future with support for Tinsley campaign

Nation's Restaurant News, Dec 17, 2007 by James C. Doherty

Recently, Ed Tinsley III announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the Second Congressional District of New Mexico. This is a significant event for the foodservice industry.

Never before has the foodservice industry and American business been under such legislative pressure from Washington, D.C. Not only is the restaurant community having to wrestle with such major issues as immigration and health care, but it also is having to contend with special-interest groups pushing agendas that include menu labeling, social engineering and even the outlawing of foie gras.

The national media focus clearly is on the presidential race. But as interesting as that may be, the congressional races are just as important, if not more so. We need people in Washington who can apply sound logic and common sense when it comes to representing our citizens and our businesses. The foodservice industry needs someone who understands the challenges we face and the contributions we make to the American economy. We need a strong, persistent individual who will protect our interests.

Ed Tinsley is that person.

As past president of the National Restaurant Association and a participant on many NRA committees, he knows the Washington political process. That's called experience. As the president and owner of the K-Bob's Steakhouse chain, the owner of a large New Mexico cattle ranch, and a businessman with interests in real estate, gas and oil, Ed knows the political hurdles confronting both the small and large businessman. He has been there.

Tinsley is not a professional politician, and that's good news. He is, however, a successful businessman who can define issues, take action and get things done. Ed is a lawyer and a member of both the New Mexico and Texas state bars. That's important in ensuring that the fine print on legislation means what it is supposed to mean.

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In this world of instantaneous media coverage, extreme partisanship and vicious campaigns, I'm surprised that anyone would want to put himself on the political firing line. This also is a concern for the future of our country. If the good and qualified people don't run for political office, what do we have left?

Ed is one of the few people who understands both the needs of his constituency and our industry. He is willing to step up to the line of political fire because he believes he can be a force for good and a generator of positive action. I applaud Ed and his wife, Meredith, and their two children, Edward and Edie, for making this huge commitment and the hard work a congressional campaign like this calls for.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have known Ed and Meredith Tinsley for more than 20 years. They are an American family. Ed is a good citizen as he already has proven with his voluntary contributions to the NRA, the

U.S. Air Force Hennessey Program and numerous other local and national activities. To put it bluntly, Ed is a stand-up person, honest as the day is long, and a straight shooter. Just the kind of person we need in Washington.

Unfortunately, in today's world political campaigning is expensive. Therefore this column is a call to action, an appeal--to the National Restaurant Association, to those of us who participate in this great industry from farm to table, to independent restaurateurs and to chain leaders alike--to support Ed's candidacy in his run for the U.S. Congress. Corporate tax limits are $5,000; individual contributions can be as much as $2,300. Every single dollar helps in a campaign of this magnitude.

You might question, and rightly so, why you should support someone running for office from New Mexico. The answer is that you should support candidates who represent your needs and views. In the case of Ed Tinsley, we have a proven candidate who understands the foodservice industry and what it needs. It doesn't matter whether this person is from Iowa, New York or New Mexico. He would be a voice in Congress for the restaurant industry.

Step forward and send a check for whatever you can afford, and let's put Ed Tinsley in the next Congress.

Please send checks to:

Ed Tinsley for Congress

P. O. Box 708

Capitan, N.M. 88316

For more information, visit www.edtinsleyforcongress.com.

James C. Doherty

Group Publisher