My Endorsements…
I’m proud of them! My deep connections in our community have developed over my 25 years in Grand County while volunteering, serving on local boards, sports events, drama productions and even hosting holiday cookie exchanges. I think having someone say “I believe in you”, especially when they truly know you, is one of the greatest compliments to receive.
With all of that said, one of my campaign endorsements is from someone I don’t know that well. I contacted her, not only because she is the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Colorado, but because she was a teacher for most of her career. She taught school and raised her kids in a mountain community much like ours - her husband is a small business owner. But, most importantly, she fights for rural schools - and she has delivered innovative workforce development programs and invested in economic development for smaller rural communities - this isn’t political - this is what we all should want and fight for in our community.
When Julie McCluskie and I first spoke, she asked me why I was running for school board - I shared with her my reasons, of which I’ve discussed in a previous blog. By the end of our conversation, I felt as though I’d made a friend. If elected, and even if not, I will continue to make connections and forge relationships with those willing to fight for our school district, regardless of their political affiliation.
*While campaign finance information is public record, I want to make it clear that I have not received any financial contributions from any individual or organization for my campaign. Any endorsements I’ve received are grounded in my integrity, experience, and dedication to our community, not financial backing.
**Edited to add that of course I value all of my endorsements. I have been endorsed by a sitting school board member in his personal capacity and our former Superintendent - two men that I greatly admire and respect - I have no idea what their political affiliation is because it’s irrelevant to their support of me.
I focused on Julie McCluskie in this blog post because I think having these kinds of connections with the State are really important for our district. We need someone who will speak up for us and with us. As I have said over and over again - I am beyond proud of the connections and relationships I have built and will continue to build, regardless of political affiliation.
