Looking at the New London Board of Education candidates, Mirna Martinez soars above the rest. I usually shy away from endorsements, but this time I make an exception.

New London will be better served by Mirna on its board. She is a parent, teacher, and community member who cares about our city's students. Mirna and I co-founded the New London Parent Advocates because we believe that in order for our schools to overcome the challenges of the time, parents must be included in all stages of any solution plans.

She is thoughtful, professional, resourceful; three qualities that make for a successful public servant in any city, especially during tough times. If you have the chance to speak to her, you won't get the usual sound bites that politicians memorize.

Rather, you will be pleasantly surprised by a genuine, insightful, and fact-based analysis of the current situation in our schools, coupled with a set of innovative and well-researched initiatives that would lead us to a brighter future. For so long New London voters were deprived from real choices. This year, we have the chance to elect a group of leaders who would make our schools among the best in the region. Martinez is on the top of the list.