We had a great two days in Grand Junction. We distributed more than 150 yard signs, got good press coverage, and had a good turn out to the candidate forum. 

Candidates for State Representative and State Board of Education participated in a forum on Thursday, September 11 at the Two Rivers Convention Center in Grand Junction that focused on children's issues, including children's health, education, and child welfare.

Candidates participating in the forum include Laura Bradford, Republican for House District 55; Bernie Buescher (D-55); Steven King (R-54); and Marcia Neal (R) and Jill Brake (D), candidates for the 3rd Congressional District State Board of Education.

"This is an opportunity for voters to learn more about where candidates stand on issues that impact not only our children, but the future of our state," said Megan Ferland, President of the Colorado Children's Campaign, a statewide, nonpartisan advocacy organization and one of the event sponsors.

Sponsors

Press Coverage

State school board candidates endorse District 51 bond

-by Mike Saccone
GJ Sentinel
Friday, September 12, 2008

The Western Slope’s two candidates for the state Board of Education both endorsed School District 51’s $185 million bond issue Thursday at a candidate forum.

Marcia Neal, the Republican candidate for the 3rd Congressional District seat on the statewide panel, said there is “no question” that School District 51 needs more money to build schools.

The money from the bond issue, which will be on the November ballot, would be set aside for a variety of projects, including the construction of two new high schools, building two new elementary schools and replacing Orchard Mesa Middle School.

Jill Brake, Neal’s Democratic opponent, said the bond issue will help the district’s capacity for students keep pace with Mesa County’s population growth.

“They have to look down the road. … You have to prepare for the future,” Brake said.

She added that “great schools” are the foundation of great communities.

State Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction, also expressed his support for the bond issue Thursday: “Our kids deserve better.”

Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, who also attended the forum, reiterated his support for the ballot measure. On Wednesday, both he and Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, announced their support for the bond issue.

The four candidates spoke before the more than 30 people who attended the candidate forum at Two Rivers Convention Center, hosted by the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Great Education Colorado and the Every Child Matters Education Fund. 

—This original article was publish by the GJ Sentinel on September 12, 2008.