Serving as House District 59’s state representative has been the greatest privilege of my life. Looking to the future, we need a representative who works across the aisle to put rural communities first – which is why I’m voting for Katie Stewart.
Being a representative is difficult. Legislators must balance our districts’ diverse needs, and work with their colleagues to make sure taxpayer money is used effectively. Katie is the right candidate for this job. During her two terms on the Durango School District 9-R Board of Education, Katie has worked with her colleagues, the administration, and the hundreds of educators and support professionals that 9-R employs to improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps. She served as the board liaison, representing the district for three years of negotiations to increase salaries to offset rising living costs, all while balancing the $85 million budget. She’s done the work – she’s made the best of every cent to serve our kids. And she’s done it because she knows that investing in our community means investing in our future.
Katie’s the advocate rural Colorado needs. I know she’ll draw on her experience as an EMT in Silverton to support our first responders. She’ll build practical solutions that will increase funding for rural hospitals, affordable housing and mental health care.
I’m voting for Katie Stewart because she values collaboration and hard work – and has the experience to put those values to work at the State House to do what’s best for HD59.
Barbara McLachlan
Durango
