To the editor:

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, we will be voting to fill two seats on the Sidney School Board. Let me tell you why I have chosen to support these two excellent candidates.They are Chad Gessler and Linda Meininger.

Chad Gessler is a Sidney High School and OSU graduate. He served in the Army a total of 12 years. He and his wife have one son in elementary school and live in Sidney. I met Chad when I was his third grad teacher and remember him fondly.

When Chad was at OSU, he helped with the Latch Key After School Program for children. He has continued to devote his life to helping children make their lives better. Next he was chief juvenile probation officer here in Sidney.

Now Chad is chief executor and director of Clear Creek Farm, where youths live who don’t have families able to care for them. He is in charge of all aspects of the program.

All of this would help Chad to understand the concepts valuable to be on the school board. He understands and cares about children, plus understands the planning and financial aspects of running an organization.

To Chad, Clear Creek Farm is not just a job, but a genuine desire and goal to help children live successful and productive lives. He is a very good people person. I admire his dedication.

Linda Meininger is a native of Sidney and developed a love and understanding of Sidney as she grew up here. She is active in Kiwanis, CASA, and other community groups. She said she has worked her whole life and wants to continue helping where she is needed.

Linda spent 33 years in the Shelby County Treasurer’s Office. She was deputy treasurer for 19 years and has just finished the last 14 years as Shelby County Treasurer. In her years in the Treasurer’s Office, she has seen many changes and adapted to them well. She has also helped to initiate new programs. Linda worked well with the public and respects other’s opinions and questions. Due to Linda’s work in the Treasurer’s Office, she will be able to understand the financial aspects that are dealt with on the school board. She has always been an excellent and conscientious worker and will continue to do that as a board member for Sidney Schools.

Pleas join me Tuesday, Nov. 7 to vote for Chad Gessler and Linda Meininger for Sidney School Board.

Mary A. Stahlman

Sidney