I’m writing to support a candidate who undeniably has his constituents’ interests at heart: Jeff Stein, who is running for the Lucia Mar School Board.

Jeff Stein (not to be confused with the local attorney of the same name) is a lifelong educator who is dedicated to a free and appropriate education for all children.

I first met Stein 12 years ago, when we worked as educational advocates at CASA (court appointed special advocates) in San Luis Obispo. Back then, he had already earned a reputation countywide as a rock-star advocate. Helping local schoolchildren who were largely at-risk and/or had disabilities get the educational services they deserved was much more than a job for Stein.

His caseload was astronomical and his hours long (all that on top of teaching classes for Cuesta students with special needs and raising two wonderful boys in South County).

In his five years as a court-appointed advocate, Jeff Stein unfailingly showed equal levels of respect for the youth for whom he advocated, their parents and educational staff. His heartfelt passion for education is palpable, and he is willing to listen to everyone. Check out Jeffrey Stein (his full name) on Facebook.