Mark Billings always brings an unusual mix of skills to the table

To the editor,

We’re pleased to recommend Mark Billings to voters in the upcoming election for the At-Large seat on the Inter-Lakes School Board.

We’ve both worked closely with Mark for years in service to Meredith and the Lakes Region; Jacquie as a fellow member of the Meredith Conservation Commission, and Ken as a fellow member of the Meredith Energy Committee. And in both cases, we’re very glad Mark has been involved. Mark was instrumental, for example, in the recent acquisition of the vital Page Pond property, and he played a key role in the success of the Meredith Regional Energy Fair in January.

Mark always brings an unusual combination of intelligence, commitment, personal energy, and a “can-do” attitude to the task at hand. He is a straight-shooter, and having made a career in discerning sound investments, he understands the economic realities of the world our children will enter. His experience has prepared him well for the School Board, because he readily grasps the situation at hand, appreciates both its quality and its financial implications, and works creatively to maximize overall benefits to our kids and community.

As demonstrated by his multiple community involvements, Mark is a positive and pro-active advocate, and we appreciate his willingness to take on new responsibilities as a member of the Inter-Lakes School Board. His common sense and creative dedication to solving problems is just what we need in these difficult times, when tough decisions need to be made, yet we can’t disadvantage our kids’ future. We are confident that Mark will reach decisions thoughtfully and thoroughly, with the overall best interests of students, teachers, communities – and pocketbooks – in mind.

We no longer have children at home, but we certainly do have a stake in the quality of our community going forward. Many features – both natural and institutional – make our area a wonderful place to live, and one of those is high quality, cost-effective education. Another one is citizen involvement, so we are grateful when a talented, conservative, and yet concerned colleague like Mark Billings wants to share his skills and expertise to help ensure that a solid educational foundation remains a cornerstone of our communities.

We’re pleased to support Mark Billings for the At-Large seat on the Inter-Lakes School Board. We hope you will too.

Ken & Jacquie Colburn

Meredith