We started as friends.
Few know that Melissa Youssef convinced me to run for council, though my family and coworkers were opposed.
There’s nothing like politics to challenge a friendship and we soon found ourselves on opposing sides. In the midst of those battles, a respect was born that transcends any division.
Melissa’s response to those challenges was to double down on intellectual curiosity, and to put in more time, more effort and more heart. She led a divided council as mayor during perhaps its most difficult year – transitioning to a new city manager, weathering financial betrayal from a top city leader and confronting the catastrophe of a global pandemic, just to name the highlights.
In the midst of this crucible, replete with terribly fraught debates overshadowed by a withering public in the midst of personal and financial crisis, Melissa’s strength as a leader concentrated on building unity. Where many of us faltered into pitfalls of cynicism, frustration, anger and emotional volatility - me included – Melissa reached out to all sides, listened to everyone, and made connections with positivity supported by competence and a full grasp of every issue.
Our community owes her a debt of gratitude. We are in a better place thanks in part to her steadfast resilience near the other side of a triple-threat of historic proportion. As my term ends, former and future Mayor Youssef is remarkably still my friend and has earned my vote. I wish her a less challenging future leading our great city.
Chris Bettin Durango
