Baxter instills principles

We’ve all heard the saying, “If you’re going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk.” But for my father, Sen. Jeff Baxter, it is not just some trite saying; it’s a way of life.

My dad taught me and my brother to never live beyond our means. If we wanted something, we had to earn the money to pay for it. And Dad led by example. My family lived modestly, and my dad never bought anything he couldn’t afford to pay for outright.

While I didn’t always appreciate this when I was growing up, now that I’m striking out on my own I have come to appreciate the principles my dad instilled in us. Thanks to the lessons learned from my father, I’m starting my post-college life debt free, while most of my friends are already saddled with college, credit card and car loan debt.

I think practicing what you preach is important for everyone, but especially for those seeking public office. If someone hasn’t exercised financial restraint in their personal life, why in the world would we think they would do so when they’re spending other people’s money?

Chase Baxter

Spokane