Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter to the voters of Mason County. My name is Marty Reed and I am the president of the Mason County Local #4863 of the American Federation of Teachers.

Recently, I polled teachers across Mason County to find out who Mason Co. AFT should endorse for Board of Education. I had earlier sent to the candidates a questionnaire and I shared their answers with teachers in each school. After they read the answers, they sent their votes for the endorsement. The results are in and Mason County AFT endorses Teresa Warner, Dale Shobe and Donna Duke.

Now I would never presume to tell you how to vote, but if you have not made up your mind I would encourage you to support Teresa, Dale and Donna. I realize that Teresa and Dale are incumbents and some may want a change, however, in this case, change would not be for the better. I attend most of the BOE meetings and have watched these two candidates in action. I can tell you with a clear conscience that Teresa and Dale are advocates for the students and staff of the Mason County school system. They fought for and disagreed many times with what was happening and were out voted. So they are not to be held accountable for the problems we are in now. Dr. Capehart is a wonderful man and a strong leader and he needs Teresa and Dale back on the board to lead us to much better times.

As for Donna Duke, that lady is a class act. She has a background in education and would be a real asset to the board and the future of your children and grandchildren.

I feel strongly that to elect these three would be not just a small step but a large leap into a bright future for the Mason County Board of Education.

Martha Reed

Point Pleasant