As someone who is involved in promoting women candidates for public office, I am thrilled to endorse Julie Lonon, Cate Brandt Ryba and Shelly Roehrs for the District 7 school board, Spartanburg City Council's District 4 seat and the District 6 school board, respectively.

It is interesting how much these qualified women have in common. Each of them manages a household with young children in addition to working outside the home in environments that demand financial management skills. Also, they are dedicated to community service in their professional lives. Julie works every day to preserve special places in our community, Cate promotes healthy living and early childhood development, and Shelly started her own event-planning business to do pro bono work for Goodwill.

Perhaps most importantly, Julie, Cate and Shelly love Spartanburg and have chosen to raise their families here. They are talented and well-educated, as are their husbands, and in today's flat world they are considered portable. They could live anywhere, but thankfully they are right here where we all can benefit from their creative ideas and dedication to advancing this community.

Over recent months, Julie, Cate and Shelly have worked tirelessly for your confidence and your vote. Collectively, they have knocked on more than 10,000 doors and made as many phone calls. They have been able to amass an army of volunteers because they are dynamic and organized.

Julie Lonon, Cate Ryba and Shelly Roehrs are active and visible in Spartanburg and will continue to be leaders in District 7, the city and District 6 regardless of Tuesday's outcome, however, with your vote, we can give these women the opportunity to serve you in a public capacity. You won't be disappointed. Join me in supporting these extraordinary women!

Laura Henthorn

Spartanburg

On Nov. 3, voters in School District 6 will have the opportunity to elect a very capable citizen, Shelly Roehrs, to the board of trustees. Shelly will bring to the school board her dedication, experience and perspective as a parent of a 10-year-old and a 7-year-old.

I met Shelly several years ago and have found her to be enthusiastic, hardworking, creative, willing and motivating with a real passion for what she does. She has the leadership skills to put that passion into action. Her campaign mission is dedicated to improving our community by creating an environment of hope and unity for youths and educators alike.

She promises to work tirelessly to bring about positive change and work as a cooperative board member to find solutions. She truly believes education dollars should be prioritized for the classroom. Expanding and exploring options in pre-K initiatives, pilot programs in mathematics excellence, creativity in the arts, corrective reading and after-school programs are among her many interests.

As a veteran who served in the Illinois Air National Guard for eight years, she has gained the experience to take responsibility and work within a system. As a business owner, an event planner, she knows how to get things done promptly and efficiently as well as having strong financial management skills. As a West View Elementary mom, she is familiar with local school issues. With her flexibility as an entrepreneur, she is able to serve the community with many agencies such as Goodwill, Mobile Meals and the Spartanburg Interfaith Hospitality Network.

The experience, desire and dedication should make Shelly a dynamic, fair-minded school board member. Shelly's platform can be seen at www.Shellyforschoolboard.com.

As a long time resident of District 6, I urge you to vote for her on Nov. 3.

Mary W. Deku

Spartanburg