National Debt & Deficit Spending Captain Joseph M. Bradley
As an old ‘shipmate’ of Bill’s, I have been following his efforts to become Wyoming’s Representative to the United States Congress. I wholeheartedly endorse his desire to serve in this body. We served together during Bill’s last tour in the Navy, and I was thankful then for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated, committed, thinking person.
Bill was responsible for all submarine operations at Commander, Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, while I was responsible for the maintenance of the very same submarines. We worked together to craft schedules and maintenance plans that met the goals of our superior officers. As you can imagine, we could have had conflict over the precious number days that submarines could either operate or be maintained, but Bill was always driven by the desire to get the best long term use of our submarines. His receptiveness to new ideas allowed us to actually get use of an extra submarine for several years at the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism.
I learned that Bill approaches problems with an open mind, but adheres to firm principles. I assisted him in the investigation of a submarine accident that nearly lost the entire crew. By never jumping to conclusions, and carefully collecting, validating and weighing the evidence, we developed a very clear picture of what happened that night. Although rapidly approaching the end of his Navy career, Bill persisted to make sure we got the report right, even recommending many of the crew for awards for their heroism that night. He literally submitted the report on his last evening in the Navy, but it was done right and the right thing to do.
Wyoming, and the nation, needs elected leaders that do not approach issues with rigid minds, or are indebted to one particular interest group or the other. Nearly every day, you can read about an elected official who has clearly made a poor decision based on his or her need to pay back a special interest. Bill Winney will not be that kind of Representative. On any particular issue, you may not agree with his decision, but you will know that it was driven by a bedrock of principle overlaid with careful analysis of the choices and outcomes, with the best interests of his constituency as the driving force.
Wyoming, you have a chance to vote for someone who will make a difference. Vote for Bill Winney and you will reap the rewards.
Joseph M. Bradley
CAPT, USN (Ret.)
Virginia Beach, VA