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Willingness to Listen

I am delighted to support the candidacy of John-Michael Parker for the office of state representative. I met John-Michael when he was a high school student in the Peer Advocate Program, and have remained connected to his life and endeavors since then. I see in him hope, solid values, and a sense of service. In the political climate and public health crisis that are creating an underlying sense of unease, these are no small things.

John-Michael recognizes that his point of view has been shaped by his community, his upbringing, and his experiences. He has a Madison developed sense of community. His work in New York—teaching, developing, and supporting The Futures Project—widened the lens through which he views life and the ways in which it challenges so many. John-Michael has chosen experiences that will help him ask policy questions from the points of view of vulnerable people, as well as those less so.

Successful governing requires the challenging work of listening, truly hearing what is said, collaborating, and compromising. Listening especially is an art, an act of respect. In the present climate, the ability and willingness to listen and to hear helps create spaces where it is safe and possible to negotiate solutions and become unstuck from rigid positions. John-Michael has the skills and ability to help create those spaces. He will do so with attentiveness and curiosity about how others came to their positions.

He is an intelligent thinker who is not afraid to question or be questioned in the service of problem solving. He values kindness, inclusivity, honesty, compassion, and reaching out. I am honored to endorse him and his candidacy.

Taffy Bowes

Madison