Stuckart is multifaceted

I appreciate your Election 2011 “Check, double-check” special section. However, I was dismayed at the short-sighted label given to Ben Stuckart, who is running for Spokane City Council president. Ben Stuckart is described as a “community activist.” I would hope all candidates are community activists. But Ben is so much more.

Ben is a businessperson who, as TicketsWest regional manager of Washington, Idaho and Montana, increased revenues from $21 million to $34 million. He had the vision to start Communities in Schools of Spokane County from nothing but a dream to what is now a half-million-dollar agency providing services for thousands of students each year with the goal of improving graduation rates.

Ben’s civic involvement includes board membership on the MAC, Spokane Community Network, Spokane’s Arts Commission and the Civic Theatre.

Ben has managed budgets and people. He works collaboratively with groups with diverse views. He believes in being open and transparent; he listens and acts.

A successful leader? Absolutely. A successful businessperson? Proven. Extensive budgetary experience? Unquestionably. Open and transparent? Without a doubt. Creative solutions to tough problems? You can count on him.

Ben Stuckart’s leadership and vision is what Spokane needs.

Maureen Ramos

Spokane Valley