About 30 percent of Thornton residents are under the age of 18, and of paramount importance to them and their parents is the quality of their schools. As my son enters kindergarten in less than one week, education is probably the hottest topic in my household. As a former middle school teacher and college instructor, there is no value I hold higher than that of education.

You may say, what does the City of Thornton have to do with schools, aren't the schools separate from the city? They are, in fact, separate entities, and there are multiple districts in the city, but there are still actions that I would champion as your next Mayor of Thornton.

First I believe our number one responsibility to schools is safety. Two years ago there was a movement from my mayoral opponents to remove the school resource officers from the middle and high schools in the city. In budget meetings I fought that move, and I am proud to say we still provide that protection. Several years ago I suggested we ought to expand flashing lights and speed devices to middle schools, and today I believe our schools are safer from speeding traffic because of it. I would like to increase our efforts and help Adams 12 fully fund the computerized ID program test-piloted at Rocky Top Middle School. If we can help provide a safe environment for schools, teachers can focus on what they do best, learning.

Second, one of the largest impacts the city has on schools is growth. The more homes built the more schools we need, and we ought to levy an excise fee on new growth to be used to help build new schools. It is only fair that new growth out to pay its own way, including the impact it has on our classrooms.

Finally, the city ought to form closer partnerships with our schools. We have an opportunity to partner with Adams 12 for an aquatics center in conjunction with a new recreation center at 136 th and Holly. This partnership will allow the city's residents to have a new amenity at lower cost than if we built it ourselves. Additionally I have had discussions with business owners about a public-private partnership with Mapleton School's Skyview Campus at 88 th and Welby.

I believe that education is the bedrock of our democratic society. We must foster the learning of our children, and it is our responsibility as elected officials to promote it. As your next mayor I would welcome innovative solutions that would accomplish this goal.