Independent Support for Debbie Bookstaber

The following letter appeared in the Main Line Life and the Suburban on 10/25/07.

To the Editor:

The current Tredyffrin-Easttown school board race is a good example of why I came to be a registered "Independent" voter. For me, an Independent voter is someone who defies traditional political labels; someone who has tired of partisanship and of special interests'money dominating politics; someone who votes for the person, not the party.

Serving as co-chair of Tredyffrin 300, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with many wonderful community members who helped to make our events successful ' Republicans, Democrats and yes, Independents ' all working together in the spirit of what makes our community such a great place to live.

One of the very talented Tredyffrin 300 volunteers I had the pleasure to get to know was Debbie Bookstaber. I found Debbie to be an excellent listener, an articulate spokesperson and someone who was passionate about our community. Debbie's expertise as a marketing and technology professional and her willingness to share her talents is unsurpassed! Whether it was setting up an online CafePress account for Tredyffrin 300 merchandise, organizing the Taste of Tredyffrin campaign, or giving a voice and presence to Flat Judy through the creation of a blog, Debbie's technological talents continuously amazed and impressed. In addition to Tredyffrin 300, Debbie has used her technology skills for other non-profit organizations, including T/E Cares and the American Heart Association.

Tredyffrin 300 was not about politics, and neither should the school board elections. The Tredyffrin-Easttown school board should encompass this same spirit of nonpartisanship; enough of the "mud-slinging" and name-calling. Yale-educated Debbie Bookstaber is a hardworking, passionate individual who cares about her community and the quality of education in our schools. Debbie is dedicated to continuing to find methods to enhance ways our local youth are educated and is committed to involving the community in helping shape future budgets, as evidenced by her participation on the TE Tax Commission.

Debbie represents what is best about our future; she will work to increase the opportunities needed to meet all of our students'educational, emotional and social needs. Debbie will serve the school district and the community by helping to ensure a good education for future generations by creating a partnership between parents and teachers for the benefit of the education of our young people.

As a taxpayer, I feel we are very fortunate that such a talented young person has stepped forward to serve our community. Please join me in supporting Debbie Bookstaber for TredyffrinEasttown school board; I encourage voters to cast their vote for her.

Pattye Benson, Malvern