A Note from a Public School Mom of Three & a Candidate's Wife

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03/29/2014 16:46

Subject: A Note from a Public School Mom of Three & a Candidate's Wife

quote

Anonymous

As a mom with three young kids , I --like many of you—have had children in both DCPS and charters, and have had to play the lottery waiting game. As a matter of fact, my husband and I have twins, so our angst was heightened a few years back when we were able to get one twin off a wait list, but not the other. So, I fully understand that this is a stressful time for many of of you because I've been through it myself.

For those of you not worried about the upcoming lottery results, you may be concerned about the boundary and feeder pattern restructuring and what effect those changes will have on your family. I know I am.

The election on Tuesday is important not just because we will be electing a mayor for the next four years, but also an at large Council member who will be making some critical decisions affecting our children's future.

Did you know that the Council Education Committee has no member with kids in schools, and only one parent-- Marion Barry, whose son is almost 35? That's a problem.

My husband, John Settles, is the only parent with kids in school running for council at large. We need another council member with ground level knowledge of our education issues, advocating for our children.

As a father of three, John has a vested interest in making sure the city gets it right on education. He is co-chair of our LSAT, is a board member on the SE Children's Fund (an early childhood organization), and is serving on the boundary changes focus and working groups. He not only understands the education issues we face in this city, he lives them.

I was initially reluctant when people encouraged John to run for the at large seat because I was concerned about the impact of the race on our family life. But I knew that John could use his vast experience and depth knowledge in areas like education, housing, and finance, to help our city.

As his wife, I can tell you that John is not only brilliant --yes, I'm biased

, but he is a man of integrity who truly cares about people.

Last year, I watched my husband struggle to make the last weeks and days as bright as possible for a terminally ill, 13-year-old boy named, Josh.

Josh was a member of a church youth group that John led. John spent hours encouraging Josh, helped raise money for the family, and tried his best to come up with anything that would take the boy's mind off the pain.

Despite everyone's prayers and efforts, Josh lost his battle with cancer last spring.

My husband questioned whether there was anything more he could have done. I told him he had done all that was possible and that most importantly, Josh left this earth knowing he had a true mentor and loyal friend.

In our 18 years of marriage, this was not the first time I witnessed John stop everything to help someone in need. It's who John is. Committed. Compassionate. A Problem Solver. It's why we need him on the Council.

The Current newspapers endorsed John saying, "He may be the best informed non-incumbent we have ever interviewed..."

I invite you to read the endorsement ( http://www.settlesfordcatlarge.com/news )and take a moment to watch this brief video ( http://youtu.be/_lrOWouqvVo ) of John in his own words. You can also visit his website at http://www.Settlesfordcatlarge.com.

Hopefully you'll agree with me that we need someone new on the Council and that John is the right guy.

Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,
Jacqui Allen- Settles