Editor, Inside Vero:

Before my retirement, after five decades of public service in Florida, I last served from 2001 to 2004 as a reform Superintendent of a troubled Miami-Dade County School System, the fourth largest in America. During that service I had the pleasure of working closely with Randy Heimler, who, in every sense of the word, epitomized dedicated citizen volunteerism. Recently learning that Randy was running to serve on the Indian River County School Board, the purpose of my letter is to strongly endorse Randy’s candidacy. From personal experience the citizens and parents of Indian River County could not be better served!

Permit me to explain why I say that. I clearly recall a very moving personal experience while attending the opening of school session at one of our public elementary schools which was located in the heart of a Miami low income neighborhood. On that occasion, Randy Heimler, in addition to his own funds, raised enough dollars to purchase and provide every first year student in that school with a brand new back pack crammed with pencils and pads. I was afforded the pleasure of assisting in the distribution of those gifts to each beaming child. Needless to say, the parents of many of those first year students would have been challenged to afford those school supplies and Randy did that from his heart, seeking no recognition.

That is the kind of person Randy Heimler is—he really cares and is committed to the children in our public education systems. The experience cited above was only one of many, many examples. I was frequently amazed not only with Randy’s dedication but also with his ability to rally support from the private sector for the benefit of our school children. Many of our school principals knew this and frequently called on Randy when they faced special needs. In addition, Randy was a powerful, frequent advocate for public education reform before the School Board.

Randy Heimler’s volunteerism was so special that I heartily endorsed a recommendation from several principals that he be considered for the prestigious Florida Volunteer of the Year Award from across the entire state by the Florida Department of Education. Presented by the governor, he deservedly won that recognition in 2004. When I appointed an important citizen’s committee to oversee the development of and recommend the school system’s Five Year Strategic Plan, I asked Randy to serve as chairperson and he provided critical leadership during that important assignment.

After my retirement I lost track of Randy and was very pleased to recently learn of his continuing commitment to public education and our school children. In this age of debilitating politics it is indeed refreshing to see someone of Randy Heimler’s caliber and proven experience offer himself for public service, particularly in a field that he is so dedicated to. As a resident of Miami-Dade County I’m sorry that I can’t vote for Randy but I do hope that Indian River’s voters take advantage of Randy Heimler’s willingness to serve the best interests of that County’s children and public education.

Sincerely,

Merrett R. Stierheim