Dear Seattle Voter:

With just a few days to go before the election, I respectfully ask for your vote for Seattle School Board at the bottom of your ballot. Election day is this Tuesday, November 6th. This election is about turning a corner for Seattle's Schools. We need to raise standards, improve academic achievement for all students, and turn around struggling schools so that all children, in all neighborhoods, get the quality education they deserve.

Don't forget to vote for Steve Sundquist at the bottom of your ballot!

I've been a candidate for about six months now and have had many wonderful opportunities to meet parents and voters across the city who care deeply about Seattle schools and their future. Voters want change and real leadership on the Board. They express frustration with the side-issues that have too often distracted from system-wide improvements. Voters want this election to be about our kids and on making sure we keep the focus on excellence in all of our schools.

We have a new Superintendent and leadership team who are bringing hope, energy, and a renewed focus on student achievement. Now it's time to elect an effective new School Board that works with the Superintendent to build and deliver a common vision of excellence. Parents and voters want us to get the job done. They also want effective fiscal management and accountability in the School District.

That's my commitment. It's time to roll up our sleeves, reach out to parents and the community, and build a team that's headed in the same direction. I know how neighborhood schools work. I've been actively involved in our schools, helping to bring academic programs that challenge students and broaden their experience with the rich diversity our community has to offer.

At this point in the campaign, we've finished debating at the candidate forums, exchanged ideas at school meetings, had conversations during morning coffee hours with parents, heard concerns at neighborhood meetings, and answered questions at editorial board meetings. I've listened and tried to answer voters' questions candidly. I've blogged with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and taken "YouTube" questions from students and the Seattle Times. I've been door-belling and phone-banking, and meeting voters at Friday night football games and Farmers' Markets across Seattle. I marched in the West Seattle Parade with dozens of terrific volunteers and did "Speed Dating with Candidates" at the Pike Place Brewery - a new one for me. It's been fun and informative and I hope I have earned your vote along the way.

Now it's up to you and the voters of Seattle. I am running for the District 6 position, but all Seattle voters can vote in each of the school board races. I also urge you to Vote YES on the Simple Majority measure 4204 to help our schools. Please be sure to vote for all four school board positions at the bottom of the ballot. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Steve Sundquist

P.S. There's nothing more effective than a short message or personal recommendation from a respected friend or family member or co-worker. If you're willing, please forward a brief email to your friends and neighbors with a link to my webpage -- to help others earn more about why I'm running and remind them to vote on Tuesday, November 6th. Thank you.