From: Danny C. Dixon
Columbus
In today’s political environment, it seems that most elected officials from both parties are interested only in those that think the same way that they do. They may say otherwise while running for election, but once elected revert to partisan politics and represent only those who helped them to get into office.
Often we hear people say that we must break this cycle and start electing those who will represent us all, listen to both sides of an issue before reaching a decision, and be willing to compromise to get real things done. I would like to endorse a candidate for Indiana House District 59 who I consider to be a person who has these qualities.
I have known Dale Nowlin and his family since he came to Columbus to teach math at Columbus East High School. As his department chairman I was impressed from the beginning with his knowledge, the innovation he showed in his teaching techniques, and his desire to grow professionally. But most of all, I respected the caring attitude he showed toward all of his students. He treated all his students as individuals, and cared about their well being as young people as well as their education.
Since then, Dale has successfully taught students at East, Central Middle School and Columbus North High School, and at North he has gained experience in administration as a department chair.
Outside the classroom he has become a leader in education and assessment on the local, state and national levels. One of our state Legislature’s biggest concerns is how to provide a quality education to all children. This is a key to raising the economic well being of all of our society, providing a workforce that will be able to meet the challenges of a 21st century economy, and providing educated and committed citizens to sustain our democracy. I feel there is no candidate who is better qualified to tackle these issues than Dale.
Being a former educator I have so far emphasized Dale’s expertise in this area, but I do not want to make it seem he is a one-issue candidate. He is an active part of our community. He is dedicated to all the things he sees as the basic responsibilities of government: protecting the environment for future generations, fixing infrastructure for the long term and making Indiana a state that will benefit by being a welcoming place for all.
These are thorny problems that will take representatives who are rational thinkers, willing to listen to others and dedicated to working with both sides to reach common solutions. I am confident that Dale Nowlin is that type of person and deserving of your vote on May 8.
