I’ve been reading up on all the candidates for Durango City Council and do want to thank all of them for committing their time and energy to run. It can’t be easy, and I know being a council member, while rewarding, is often a thankless job. Your commitment to this community is greatly appreciated.

I do know that I’ll be giving at least one candidate my vote, and that is Melissa Youssef. I’ve known Melissa as one gets to know people in our small, active community: on the soccer field, at a school play or buying groceries. But more recently I got to know her better, as we both volunteered time on a recent ballot initiative, and I was thrilled to learn she was intending to run for council.

Now I am volunteering to help with her campaign, as I believe she would make an exceptional city councilor. She is a hard worker, as evidenced by her putting herself through college, earning an MBA, starting her own successful medical billing business, volunteering her time for numerous boards (see www.melissayoussef.com) and focusing on her family throughout.

She is smart, a terrific listener and one who enjoys researching issues to learn all aspects. If elected, Melissa will do her homework, study each issue on its merits and impacts and work collaboratively with fellow council members to reach a decision that is best for our community and our residents.

Please read more about Melissa’s background and platforms and cast a vote for her on April 4 (or through your mail-in ballot out this month).

Nancy Shanks

Durango