Dear Friends and members of the Chesapeake Family:

I am a proud and lifelong resident of Chesapeake, Virginia. My family and I reside in the Western Branch area of the city. My wife (Melody), son (Courtland) and I are proud graduates of the Chesapeake Public School System. My wife and I have two additional sons.  One attends middle school, the other high school.  Both are honor students.

My adult life has been dedicated to public service and contributing to a city that has enriched my life. The words that best describe me would be “committed public servant.” My parents instilled in me a strong work and service ethic, through their contributions to our city and our country. My mother retired from over 30 years as a Food Service Cafeteria Manager, in the Chesapeake Public School system.  My father served the United States Navy for over 30 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.  Even though both are deceased, their vision of a city that empowers its children, parents, teachers and citizens, lives on in my life.

As a member of the Chesapeake School Board, I can offer diversity of thought, while helping to achieve the overall mission of the school system.  I will work diligently, as a team player, to assure that the programs and services will address the global expectations of all students.  I will aggressively pursue innovative funding to ensure greater teacher retention and the best quality education for this changing and challenging society.

I ask for your vote of confidence on May 6, 2008.

Sincerely,

Melvin O. Marriner