As a long-term community advocate for my working-class and immigrant neighbors, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with politicians from across the country. This experience has given me a keen understanding of what makes a public servant truly effective. It’s not just about holding office. It’s about understanding the unique needs of a community, advocating for those who are often unheard, and possessing the empathy and dedication required to make meaningful change. Megan McKenna embodies these qualities, and I can confidently say she will represent us exceptionally well on the Summit County Council.I first met Megan McKenna when she was an educator at Treasure Mountain Junior High School, a school she herself had attended. At the time, I was serving as president of Latinos in Action at Park City High School, where we worked to bridge cultural gaps and support students in their educational journey. I was assigned to her classroom to assist students for whom English was a second language. From the outset, I was struck by her commitment to each student’s success. Ms. McKenna, as her students affectionately called her, took a personalized approach to teaching, ensuring that every student understood the material and felt valued in herclassroom. She was more than a teacher. She was a mentor, an advocate, and a steadfast supporter of her students’ diverse needs.Her experience in education is more than just a line on her resume. It’s the foundation of her approach to public service. Education teaches empathy, public speaking, problem-solving, and the ability to see issues from multiple perspectives. Megan’s background equips her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges that many families in Summit County face, particularly those from working-class and immigrant backgrounds. She has demonstrated that she listens, cares and acts with the best interest of the community in mind.As a long-time Parkite, I have seen how our community has changed over the years. Family, friends and former high school classmates, along with their families, have been priced out of our hometown, forced to leave the place they love due to skyrocketing living costs. My own family has faced similar struggles, with my parents working tirelessly to remain in Summit County.Megan McKenna understands this reality deeply. She recognizes that housing affordability and sustainability are not just buzzwords. They are crucial issues that affect the fabric of our community. She is committed to advocating for policies that will enable locals to stay in the Wasatch Back, preserving the diverse and vibrant character of Summit County that we all cherish.Megan’s vision for Summit County is one of inclusivity and balance. She understands that while growth is inevitable, it must be managed responsibly. She seeks to find common ground between preserving our natural environment, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering economic opportunities for all residents. Her dedication to regional collaboration means she is ready to work with various stakeholders, from community members to local businesses, to develop solutions that benefit everyone.Megan McKenna will be a voice for the working class, the locals, and the everyday residents across Summit County from the east side to the west side. She has the experience, the heart and the determination to address the complex issues our community faces. A vote for Megan McKenna is a vote for sustainability, affordability, responsible growth, and regional collaboration.It is a vote for a future where Summit County remains a place where all of us — long-time locals, new residents, working families, and immigrants — can thrive. Let’s choose a leader who truly understands our community and has the proven commitment tomake it better. Join me in supporting Megan McKenna for Summit County Council.J. Enrique SanchezPark CityThe post Understands our reality appeared first on Park Record.