I arrived in Delaware almost two years ago. By all standards, I’m a newbie. But from the moment I arrived and immersed myself in Delaware politics, Jack Markell has been a name synonymous with progress, change, real leadership, and for the first time in a great long while, excitement.

As a young person, I care deeply about the state of our education system. The reality is that failing public schools benefit no one. Teachers across the country struggle to meet the standards mandated under NCLB. Inner city and rural schools alike face funding problems and a shortage of qualified teachers pursuing graduate degrees. And worst of all, the saving grace out of poverty, the golden ticket of higher education, is perceived by poor, young Americans as unattainable.

We should not have a system where teachers lack credentials, teach to tests or in over crowded classrooms. Inner city schools should not be burdened by federal mandates, and no American child born into poverty should think they can’t achieve their dreams.

In his time as state treasurer, Jack Markell has attacked the roots of a failing education system.

• Markell created the Delaware Money School, offering free services to Delawareans on how to save for college and plan for retirement.
• Markell created the Delaware Banks at School Program, which partners banks and local schools to educate young Delawareans on financial planning and management.
• Since 1999, Markell has served as the chairman of the Delaware College Investment Plan.
• Markell has consistently been a champion of a federal earned income tax credit.

In promoting higher education access and creating programs to teach young people financial responsibility, Mr. Markell has combated the perception of college inaffordability and encouraged individual responsibility.

It’s time for a governor who understands that combating the real problems of our education system takes battling the perception that college is not attainable because it is not affordable. Its time for a governor for who has brought about real results- and has the executive experience to lead Delaware forward.

There is no doubt that the first state has many problems. Markell holds a B.A. from Brown University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to his entry into public service, he was the vice president of Nextel and worked in the senior management for Comcast. Since 1998, Markell has translated his executive experiences to real results in Delaware.

Delaware, it is with great excitement that I endorse Jack Markell’s candidacy for governor.

Visit Jack Markell’s website for more information.