I was dismayed reading The Durango Herald school board endorsements (Oct. 8). I wonder if the Herald editorial board thoroughly and fairly interviewed the candidates. The one short paragraph describing Brie Stahnke did her a disservice given her accomplishments and qualifications. Her opponent received an extensive and positive review. I have worked with Brie for more than two years on a number of community projects. I find her to be thoughtful, analytical and, most important, compassionate about people and her community. I follow her actions on the school board and she brings a vital business- and private-sector viewpoint. Brie is neither a politician nor a political want-to-be. She appropriately sees her role as a policymaker whose role is to serve the entire community, from teachers, parents, colleges and the larger world schoolchildren will live in someday. Brie is passionate about the school system to preparing children for the future, and she has a vested interest given her two children. I want someone on the board who understands the private-sector world that children will eventually end up working in, and I want someone who can bring their business experience to a board that will increasingly have to deal with difficult decisions. I cannot vote for any candidates simply because they are nice people, have political experience and want to communicate with the community.
Brie is best qualified, given her background in business, community organizations and as a board of education member with an critical perspective. Given the reduction in number of board members on the board, board member continuity is important to ensure the school system continues to resolve critical issues and maintain the success our school system has achieved. Finally, I also would hope the Herald would be more fair and complete in its evaluation of all future candidates but that’s not likely to happen!
Michael Todt
Durango
