In the upcoming election, Durango citizens have the opportunity to elect one of the best-qualified candidates for city council in recent years.
Melissa Youssef has a solid background in business, finance, management and leadership, and in her twenty years as a Durango resident she has been an energetic and thoughtful contributor to our community.
She has served on the boards of Animas High School, Durango Discovery Museum, the Community Foundation, and the District 9-R Board of Education. She is currently vice president of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and a member of the Trails 2000 board.
Until 2015 she ran a medical billing practice, which she founded, and held other financial positions following her graduation from McGill University in 1991 with an MBA.
As important as her experience is her demonstrated commitment to public service and her investment in the Durango community. She has been a tireless advocate for the elements of our community that make Durango such a great place to live, including education, outdoor recreation, science and the arts, and community building through philanthropy.
Having worked with her in a variety of capacities, I can add that she is intelligent, civic-minded, committed, and caring.
Since deciding to run, Youssef has dedicated herself to learning about and understanding the breadth of issues Durango faces, has actively sought the views and opinions of numerous people and groups, has created a website (www.melissayoussef.com) and newsletter to keep people informed about her views and priorities, and has done more than any other candidate in recent memory to prepare for service on our city council.
I can’t think of anyone better qualified than she is, and I urge voters to support her in this important election.
Terry R. Bacon
Durango
