As a friend and neighbor of Barbara McLachlan I have been extremely impressed by the energy, enthusiasm and genuine love she has committed to her teaching career - and to her students. Equally impressive are the positive results she has received in return! Never have I seen or heard such enthusiastic student feedback.

A teacher at Durango High School for 20 years, Barbara has experienced first-hand the detrimental impact our current funding deficits can have on students, teachers and administrators alike.

But detrimental impacts are hardly unexpected! Colorado currently ranks 47th among states in per pupil funding - and Western Slope schools are among the most poorly funded of all.

For a teacher, for all of us, 47 percent is way below passing. It's failing with a capital F.

As a candidate for State Representative, Barbara McLachlan is committed to making sure Colorado's schools are a priority in the legislation.

If failing is not good enough for you, for our students and for our schools, let's make a difference in November.

A vote for Barbara McLachlan is a solid, proven step toward taking charge and making change - in the classroom, for our students, and for our Western Slope communities.

Mary Ann McCarthy

Durango