Letter of support for Bert West

It is my honor to provide this letter of support and endorsement for Bert West for the Re-2 School Board.

As a founding member of the Ute Pass Kiwanis Club, I have been fortunate to serve with Bert for many years. The focus of Kiwanis and for Bert is Kids. His leadership and experience at all levels, locally and internationally, has been extraordinary.

In my 17 years of Public Service in Teller County, I recognize how important it is to work with local governance, non-profits and the people of Teller County to assure the local schools provide the best educational foundation for our kids. A school board member is the most challenging and important elected role there is as all decisions are about our youth. Bert is in tune with the needs of our community and schools. As a former Woodland Park Teacher and Coach and 36-year resident, I know what it takes to make a difference in public service.

Bert’s strong business background and expertise will be invaluable to evaluating and making the best financial decisions that support the teachers, staff students AND the community. I know from experience that a strong and respected public school system is critical to the quality of life for any community. Bert will bring integrity, vision, passion and dedication to his role as a school board member.

I urge the voters of Re-2 to vote for Bert West to help strengthen the quality of education for our youth in Teller County.

Clarke Becker, Colorado Springs

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Small, vocal group

During the October 8 WPSD board meeting, a small but vocal group returned to their original form and unleashed vitriol and division during public comment, eschewing professionalism for inflammatory rhetoric. These same individuals, who thrive on chaos rather than constructive solutions, aggressively push voters to support their candidates: the three women running for school board.

A vote for these women is a vote for the hate, division, and negativity that has plagued our community. Their supporters demand the return of the union to Woodland Park School District, the reinstatement of “mental health” programs led by woke counselors promoting the LGBTQ agenda through initiatives like Trevor’s Project, and encouraged the city’s 10% defunding of the district. They oppose the conservative board’s two-sex resolution, which safeguards our girls. They despise school choice, don’t consider parents to be the primary educator, and have demanded the closure of the top growing school in the community.

These people are eager to revive this radical agenda and endorse the three female candidates to make it happen. These three women running for board have done nothing to refute the divisive actions or hateful comments by this group. They stated they want unity, but haven’t pointed out the left’s playbook of disruption and their immense part in the local chaos. Don’t be fooled—electing the three women candidates invites more turmoil, not peace or collaboration.

Instead, vote to prioritize academics, foster healing, and restore calm to the board. Support Austin, West, and Michaels for a collaborative, focused future.

Jake McNeese, Woodland Park

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Shout out

Just a shout out to Doug. Enjoy his columns and his perspectives and sense of humor and being down to Earth with good common sense. Thanks Doug for being out there.

Keith Myers, Florissant

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LETTERS POLICY: Letters are published on a space-available basis. Letters must be 250 words or less. Guest columns will be published, space allowing, with a firm limit of 500 words. Both must be received by noon Friday for publication the following Wednesday. Please email your submissions to Courier Editor Doug Fitzgerald at doug.fitzgerald@pikespeaknewspapers.com. The Courier reserves the right to edit or reject submissions, which should have the author’s name, address and phone number, for verification purposes.