Matt Sheldon is one of the best public servants I know. I first met Matt when I was a senior at Durango High School, volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. Matt worked there at the time, and once a week I got to learn from him by watching the way he interacted with the children. He was a great role model for them, and for me, and I ended up working there for two summers because of his example.
Over the next few years, Matt worked on several campaigns and I committed to helping him when I could. He was an inspiring leader, so full of passion for the Durango community, and so full of ideas on how to help the people in it. He worked long days for low pay to make sure we elected people who would fight for us. Matt is continuing that much-needed fight today.
Our community is facing a challenge now, one where our education system lacks the resources it both needs and deserves. This could mean fewer teachers, bigger class sizes, fewer after-school and vocational courses for our students, and other cuts to the real programs helping children succeed. We need a school board that understands this system and the people it serves.
Matt, like myself, is the son of a teacher. We both saw our parents take work home every night, grading tests and making lesson plans. We know that a teacher’s work gets even harder when administrators introduce policies not grounded in classroom realities. Matt’s personal experience with both the children of this community and their educators make him the ideal candidate.
Matt’s passion for Durango’s students and teachers is why we need him. It’s why I am inspired by him, and why I’m voting for him. Matt understands the challenges children and educators are facing today and will bring everyone together to do what is best for Durango’s children. I hope you will join me in putting this bright, energetic man where he can truly make the difference we need.
Ben Grazda
Durango
