With 40 years in banking, including over 10 years as the Community Bank President for Scottsdale, I can say from experience that there is a direct connection between the health and success of our schools, our home values, and our attractiveness as a business-friendly city.
After 12 years serving on Scottsdale’s City Council, I know that most critical issues facing local government are non-partisan in nature and require elected community leaders who bring professional experience to the table, working to both craft solutions and hold leadership accountable.
I am proud to support Mike Sharkey, Donna Lewis, and Matthew Pittinsky for SUSD Governing Board.
When our Scottsdale schools are strong, professionally led, and promoted by elected leaders who are cheerleaders, not detractors, our community thrives. These are complex times for SUSD. We should prioritize elected leaders who bring business, technology, and education leadership experience, which is precisely what the “SLP for SUSD” slate brings to the table.
Mike Sharkey built a successful data analysis business, is a parent of SUSD graduates, and volunteers with the Chaparral High School robotics club. Donna Lewis was superintendent of the year in Arizona and is a national expert who is sought after in the field of teacher education. Matthew Pittinsky is an SUSD parent and entrepreneur who built two global technology companies, one of which was headquartered in Scottsdale and hires SUSD graduates. The SLP slate knows how to evaluate complex budgets, set strategic goals, and manage staff.
We are fortunate to have three such strong candidates who understand and represent the interests of parents, the business community and taxpayers alike.
I am a lifelong conservative and registered Republican. This November, join me and support Sharkey, Lewis and Pittinsky, the best three for SUSD.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
