Letter: The right choices for schools

As a grandparent without grandchildren in the Roaring Fork School District, I am writing to support the 3B bond issue. And as a businessman with experience in recruiting board members and hiring key management, I am supporting Karl Hanlon for the board.

My wife and I believe in paying it forward by supporting schools and environmental and other nonprofit organizations whose programs benefit future generations. We were fortunate to enjoy the efforts of others and their taxes when we moved to this area with two small children 37 years ago. The merits of the bond issue — including important building improvements and a new elementary school — have been articulated well. But the funds for teacher housing are critical, as well, because retention and recruiting of highly qualified teachers are essential. The bond will fund $15 million for housing in Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, which is a smart business investment, as well.

The district making an investment in housing is due to the leadership of Karl and one of many reasons we support him for the school board. Karl has experience with all three of our communities by working in Glenwood, living in Carbondale, currently having children in the Carbondale schools and having two stepsons who graduated from Basalt. He has faced and understands the challenges of transitioning kids to college as well as dealing with a special-needs child. He also has been a longtime member of the Roaring Fork community, helping businesses, individuals and nonprofits achieve their goals. All of this makes Karl uniquely qualified to listen and lead the district.

Please support Karl and 3B!

Jim Light

Basalt