Opinion : Harold Nelson remembered

Last Friday, Vinton lost a truly unique person when Harold Nelson passed away. I knew Harold had a serious medical condition but the last time I saw him at the Benton County Democratic Central Committee in November, I thought he was looking better and told him so. I am glad that I had to opportunity to encourage him and that is why when I saw the announcement of his passing in the paper I was shocked and saddened. Harold had very definite ideas about politics and issues affecting our society. He wrote many of those thoughts in letters to the editor. He would probably be considered to the left of many Democrats here in BentonCountybut was not afraid to challenge us to at least think about a different view. Our party will miss his comments because sharing different opinions is always good for a political party. Harold always was there if he felt good enough to help with party activities. You could usually find him at the fair booth ready to talk about national, state, and local issues. Harold did not have a lot of family here in the area. I could not let his death go unnoticed. You may not have agreed with his positions but I always admired his convictions and willingness to push the envelope of thought. The Benton County Democratic Central Committee will truly miss him and send condolences to his family and friends. ---Rosemary Schwartz, chair Benton County Democratic Central Committee