Azzopardi and O'Brien will support public education

“The teaching profession contributes more to our society than any other single profession.” (John Wooden)

Teachers work hard. If asked to do extra jobs, they may grumble, but they do them. They care about all students, listening to their concerns and advancing solutions. Teachers work miracles; often while juggling a family at home.

Shirley Azzopardi taught special education for 30 years. Running for Representative of House District 13, she aspires to be a voice for all Montanans. Shirley will work to protect and strengthen our public-school system by supporting increasing teacher pay and attracting new teachers, while opposing taxpayer dollars funding private charter schools.

Concerned about crushing property taxes? Our constitutional right to privacy? Women's rights? Medicaid expansion? Fiscal responsibility? Your taxpayer dollars wasted on legal fees to fight unconstitutional laws? Government interference in healthcare? Shirley Azzopardi will listen to you and work on solutions.

Another teacher I've met and can vouch for is Shannon O'Brien, who is running for State Superintendent of Schools. A high school teacher, tennis coach and educational policy advisor, her main focus is on improving public education while fighting privatization.

She wants to protect taxpayers from having to fund private schools. Shannon also wants to stop the brain drain of teachers leaving Montana for better pay and working conditions.

Let's “get to yes” by voting for Azzopardi and O'Brien. Teachers are wonderful, hard-working people. Trust me; I know.

– Nancy Teggeman

Polson