Concord is fortunate to have civic, open minded people step up to run for office. Because the school board and charter commission races get somewhat less attention I would like to offer this information about three candidates I know well. Other than his spouse, I have known Bob Cotton longer than anyone in Concord — 46 years. He is a person of the highest integrity, a great listener and someone who works to find common ground. He will balance the needs of students with those of taxpayers fairly He will serve us well.
Pamela Walsh is a parent of a current student and she understands well the burdens placed on parents and our teachers during this pandemic. She has demonstrated a willingness to tackle the many tough issues our schools faced during the pandemic. Bill Ardinger is likewise a parent of children who went to Concord schools. He served on the last commission that successfully freed Concord’s schools from state oversight and control. He too knows well how to balance competing interest fairly and from his previous service on the commission knows the details of the current charter better than anyone. Concord would be well served by having his historical perspective on the commission. I urge Concord voters to elect these three great candidates.
Steve Duprey
Concord