To the editor:

It is a distinct pleasure to write a letter in strong support of the candidacy of Rebecca Cohen for election to the Fayetteville-Manlius District School Board.

Although I am now retired, I served for 35 years as a counselor at Fayetteville-Manlius High School. I have never forgotten Rebecca or her family and have maintained close contact with them.

Throughout my tenure at F-M, I worked extensively with our school boards. Over time I came to recognize those qualities most important for meaningful and successful participation as a board member. Here are some of those characteristics.

The truly effective Board Member was an individual who came to the board with NO prior “pet agendas” or “favored causes” to promote. They were individuals who brought multiple areas of knowledge and experience. They possessed a great diversity of friends — especially individuals who did not fall into stereotyped patterns of behavior assumed to be those typical of the F-M parent. They were individuals who could not easily be categorized. They were individuals who did not fear change or worship the past. They welcomed challenges to their beliefs, They did not fear young adults nor the differences they represented.. They saw themselves as problem solvers — not always individuals with answers. They realized there were no simple explanations or shortcuts to understanding complex issues.

I have known Rebecca for more than 25 years. I know that the above characteristics and values are ones that she lives by each day. I am fortunate to call her my friend. The Fayetteville-Manlius District School Board would be fortunate to have her as a member.

Carl Pesko

Syracuse