Letter: Candidate sacrificing personal time for greater good

To the Editor-

One week away from the April 5 election. Campaigning takes time. How you campaign undeniably sets the tone for how you will serve. Running an ethical campaign demonstrates your leadership to the community.

Miguel Campos does not have a background in local government, public policy, or public education, but he unquestionably has what it takes to serve our community on the school board.

Miguel is a hard worker, in fact, one of the hardest working people you will meet. He has an open mind and the willingness to invest the hours necessary.

Over the past four months, I have been on this journey with him and can say his empathy for our children and this community has been his number one priority. Has it been easy? Absolutely not. Have we as a family experienced the unimaginable? Yes. And to be honest, I have often asked myself is this even worth it?

The countless hours Miguel has spent away from home attending meetings with community members, his running mates, teachers, parents, meet and greets on top of his already full-time job. Spending hours answering questions to our community via social media, email, video chats with people “demanding” his opinion on issues that at times can be difficult and complex.

Aside from all this, he’s also put so much time into researching complicated political issues to be educated and prepared for effective leadership. We’ve had many late-night conversations regarding the future for our children and their education, how the pandemic has changed teachers in regards to the levels of stress and burnout, which trickles down to our children, mental health, and what that may look like in the future of our children, bullying, parent involvement, technology, financial issues….the list goes on and on.

Having these conversations with my husband has brought whole new respect. I know he’s a compassionate person, I know he loves community, I know he respects every human being, but seeing how he wants to make a change for our children and making sure he can make a difference ensuring they have a safe and nurturing educational environment makes all this worth it.

I am proud of Miguel. Our children are proud of their father. Miguel has said many times his goal in running for the school board is to be a bridge-builder to make long-lasting connections in our community. The country we live in, even the community we live in is so divisive. This needs to stop.

In order to make a difference, we need to start small in our own local community. This process has brought so much light to my eyes (and tears) and so much awareness. I have learned a lot. Miguel has what it takes to serve our community and I know he will make sure that our school district is open to the values and beliefs of all in our community.

Kelsey Campos
Stevens Point