Bien-Willner: I endorse the ‘Protect SUSD’ team for school board

Paradise Valley Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner

Courtesy Town of Paradise Valley

With a decade of service to Paradise Valley, including six years as mayor, I understand that effective leadership hinges on cooperation and respect among citizens, officials and community leaders. Solving problems and enhancing our quality of life requires professionalism, hard work and experience – not political distractions or divisive tactics.

As an SUSD graduate and Paradise Valley homeowner, I understand the critical role our local schools play in maintaining our community's great reputation and property values. Despite numerous educational choices, our local public schools remain highly sought after and are vital assets that must be safeguarded.
For this reason, I strongly endorse Mike Sharkey, Donna Lewis and Matt Pittinsky for the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board. We are fortunate to have these three outstanding candidates willing to volunteer their time and expertise to take our public schools to the next level.

Mike Sharkey, a tech entrepreneur, SUSD parent and active school STEM volunteer, brings a data-driven approach to decision-making while listening to parents. Donna Lewis, a retired award-winning school superintendent, knows the importance of a cohesive, collaborative school board. My good friend Matt Pittinsky, a respected business founder and parent of SUSD students, understands the link between education and economic vitality.

These candidates possess a combined 70 years of professional, educational and business experience, and are dedicated to maintaining and improving our schools. This November, please join me in voting for Sharkey, Lewis and Pittinsky, the “Protect SUSD” team. These excellent candidates are the choice to ensure our schools stay high-quality, student-focused and effectively managed.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.