I am writing this letter in support of Charlie Abell. Charlie, as we all know, is again seeking a position on the Whitefish School Board.

As I recall, he served two terms during the 1990s. I was a teacher at the high school the years he served, and I still remember what an outstanding job he did. Charlie came onto the board with a commitment to help our Whitefish schools maintain their record of excellence.

As with everything else he has done for our town over the years (and there have been too many to mention here), his support of the educational community was admirable then and still is today.

Charlie and his wife Susan's two boys progressed through our school system, graduating in the 1980s. Both boys have done extremely well with their lives and are continuing to make our country a better place.

I mention this because the Abells feel Whitefish schools were major contributors to their children's success. Charlie came onto the board with no other agenda than to ensure the quality education their boys received would continue. He was 100 percent in his support of our teachers and felt strongly in providing the financial resources for us to do our jobs. He always had time to listen, not only to teachers' concerns, but also to those of parents and the Whitefish community.

Charlie's election to the board will ensure there will be another board member who will continue to provide strong leadership in a position so important to the continued excellence of the Whitefish School as they face many new challenges in the future. Charlie will, again, give his support to our fine educational system.

I enthusiastically ask you to vote for Charlie Abell, and what is best for Whitefish schools.

Bill Schustrom

Whitefish