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Will Shake Up the Debate

On Nov. 6, we will vote to determine not only our immediate and long-term future at the federal level, but also at the state and local level. As national politics continue to grow more partisan, it is important for all of us to vote for a future in Madison that is nonpartisan and works for all of us—not just a few select individuals.

That is why I will be voting for John-Michael Parker for state representative of the 101st District. I have personally known John-Michael for more than 20 years as one of the most honest, driven, and hardworking individuals I have ever come across.

John-Michael Parker has a rare and special skill as an incredible listener with a demonstrated ability to turn thoughts into clear ideas and action. I watched John-Michael take concerns he was hearing as a teacher and turn them into action when he helped start The Future Project, a non-profit that has raised more than $35 million to serve 25,000 students in 11 cities across the country. John-Michael employs these same skills listening to citizens of Madison and Durham, which will serve us well should the people of our district choose him as our state representative.

John-Michael is also unparalleled as a critical thinker. Currently, our state is dealing with an upside-down budget, brought about by a legislature that isn’t getting the job done. It is time to get some fresh, new, critical thinkers into Hartford that will shake up the debate about how we, as a state, are going to turn things around. That is why I will be voting for John-Michael Parker as state representative on Nov. 6, and I encourage your readers to have their voices heard as well and do the same.

Michael Shirley

Madison