Consider Character

I have the honor of calling Steve Navarre my friend. I’ve known Steve since he was a Freshman at Texas A&M. When I heard he was running for the Plano ISD School Board, I was not surprised. He’s passionate about his kids and their future, just as his mom was about him as he was growing up. I know Steve would not sit still and watch his sons’ school district struggle with challenges without feeling compelled to find solutions. That’s just who Steve is, and who he has always been.

Steve's character was apparent the first time I met him. He’d already served his country in the Army at that young age. His love of family was evident. He talked about his saintly mother, showing maturity beyond his years by recognizing her sacrifices. He also talked about his younger brother, Joe. Joe was severely crippled by a rare form of arthritis that left him confined to a wheel chair. You would not know this until you met Joe, because Steve never mentioned that. He’d just say he was leaving for home to help his brother who was ill. Steve’s mom and Steve made many personal sacrifices to make Joe’s life brighter. And I bring this up not because I think others would not do the same, but because Steve went above and beyond what it would take to simply be a great big brother. The bond between the boys was strong, and Joe could find no one more dedicated to him than Steve, save his mother.

Sadly, Joe lost his battle with his disease and passed away on September 9th, 2001. Steve was working as a consultant and had a meeting in New York City in the Merrill Lynch Building (what we today know as WTC Building 5) scheduled for 9 o’clock, September 11th. Joe’s death saved Steve’s life. I know Steve. He would have thrown himself into service pulling others from the World Trade Center. That’s the kind of person he is. He never shrinks from service or a challenge, despite hardships it may bring him. I feel very strongly that in death Joe was able to save Steve and give him the gift of life as repayment for all the love and sacrifices Steve made during Joe’s short life.

Steve has other admirable qualities. He carries with him a strong work ethic from a grandmother who worked in a canning plant to provide for her family. When she was assured that her son was provided for, she put herself through school so she could work in the aerospace industry. She recognized the importance of education and hard work. Steve feels compelled to honor that tradition and sees the Plano ISD as a place in need of his dedication.

Steve is a strong Conservative, in the tradition of the founders of our great country. He believes in service. He sees the school board trustee as a way to serve students and the citizens financially supporting Plano ISD. He is creative in his problem solving, looking for creative ways to do more with less. This is what he has done professional for years with positive results. He is both approachable and thoughtful, treating everyone with respect yet not shrinking from his convictions. In short, Steve is a gentleman who would prove an excellent steward of the trust Plano ISD parents and tax payers would place in him.

On May 9th, consider character. Choose someone who is driven to serve not driving to claim a perceived entitlement. Plano ISD needs someone whose character shines through and whose heart is in it for the good of Plano ISD and it’s taxpayers. My friend Steve Navarre is that man. Please support him in his bid to serve his community with the passion he brings to everything he does. Plano ISD deserves someone of Steve Navarre’s caliber. Please get out the vote. Each person makes a difference.

Kevin Myers
Texas A&M Class of 1992