Dear Editor:

I first got to know Gretchen Driskell as a parent, as I was the principal of the elementary school her children attended. We had many opportunities to discuss the needs of our children within the schools, as well as in the community at large.

Gretchen listened before she formed opinions, and backed up what she believed by being an involved parent and a willing volunteer. It did not surprise me to see her carry those attributes into her public service, first as a city council member, and then during her multiple terms as mayor of Saline.

Thirty years of living and working in the Saline school district has clearly demonstrated to me that nothing is more integral to the quality of a community than the quality of that community’s public school system. We need legislators in Lansing who not only talk about supporting public education, but make public education the highest priority when difficult votes are required.

I trust Gretchen Driskell to be that legislator.

Kimberly Van Hoek

Saline, MI.