To the Editor:

Eleven years ago, I came home from work to find my wife — Wende Goode — holding our newborn son Tristin on our sofa. Tears poured from her eyes as she explained she could not go back to work; she needed to devote her life to our young family.

Before our children came along (we added a second child, Westin John, five years ago), Wende was a social worker who worked with young families.

Going from two incomes to one hasn’t been easy, but I’m daily blown away by how she pours her heart into volunteering at our boys’ schools (Tristin’s at Canton Middle; Westin’s at Clyde Elementary) and rushing the boys to Kindermusic, science clubs and youth sports leagues.

Through all her volunteering, she listens carefully to the amazing teachers who dedicate their lives to the development of all our children. She spends hours in conversation with parents of other children. She knows what issues matter to all of them, and she wants to make a difference on their behalf.

That’s why Wende is running for Haywood County’s school board this fall. As her husband of 18 years, I can tell you Wende has more integrity, honor and backbone than any woman I’ve met. You can rest assured she will stand up for our teachers, for parents and for all our children.

So please take a few moments on Nov. 4 and make sure there’s a fresh voice on the school board: Vote for Wende Goode.

Tyler Norris Goode

Clyde