Wellington’s support for Noblesville teachers earned her voter’s endorsement

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I will be voting for Devon Wellington for State Representative, District 29.

Some months ago, I was invited to an informational forum where a candidate for state representative was opening up weekly meetings to hear from local constituents. When I walked in, Devon and her campaign manager, Nocona, greeted me warmly and excitedly. Her name had been popping up in my circles, and I was anxious to hear from her. I was hopeful that she would live up to her platform and turn out to be a candidate I could stand behind. She turned out to be so much more.

Throughout the meeting, I felt myself begin to breathe a little less shallowly. Devon stood for my beliefs and values. She understood that public schools are not struggling because of any deficiency within them, but because they have been starved of funding and burdened by harmful policies. She was standing up for educators and was on a mission to right the education ship that had lost its way. Not only did I want to stand behind her, but she made it possible for us to stand beside each other. I left the meeting with a newfound sense of pride in education and in all the ways my voice would finally be heard.

As a former educator of 12 years, I have watched legislators continue to dismantle public education: first through over-testing, then through poor curriculum design, and finally through funding. Devon is passionate about teachers and has championed my former profession with enthusiasm. She speaks of teachers with reverence and with professional expertise, backed by 15 years in education policy at the district, state, and federal levels.

Devon has walked alongside Noblesville Schools teachers and unflinchingly lent them her support. From the moment the referendum entered public discussion, she was unwavering in her support. Her public comments to the board on June 9th, as it met to vote on the resolution for a referendum, reflect this. She told the board she supported the referendum because of the administrators and teachers “that have proven Noblesville Schools can do remarkable things … ensure a high-quality education, but also take care of people in our community through our schools.”

Her campaign is driven by empathy, and this was never more obvious than when our community suffered through catastrophic flooding. As a community member, I worked alongside many others in the Southwest Quadrant. Countless times, when we approached neighbors, we found they were already working with Devon to find housing, suitable transportation, and access to supplies at the fairgrounds. Devon makes meaningful connections in every aspect of her campaign. She knows and loves this community.

Devon doesn’t just proclaim empathy; she embodies it. The message that empathy is a sign of weakness has spread like an invasive species in our society, but Devon shows that the strength behind empathy can empower an entire community. She has already earned my vote. I encourage you to learn more about her and vote for Devon on Nov. 3.

Lauren Driskell
Noblesville