To the Citizens of Blount County:

The short of it is that my name is Dr. Penny Ferguson, and I feel compelled to voice my confidence in Brett Coulter as he endeavors to continue his service to the betterment of the people of his beloved home.

The long of it is that I believe I know something about enthusiastic, dedicated commitment. Near the beginning of my 54 years in the classroom, Brett was one of my students. I have never known a time during our long acquaintance when I did not feel his unwavering support for my efforts in the classroom.

When, in his role as an administrator, Brett came to my classroom to speak of his experience as a student, it became clear to me that we held closely some of the same values. I think Brett and I believe that a solid exposure to American literature, and thereby to American history, along with a nurturing of the ability to speak and to write concisely about these topics, helps develop and polish individuals to become organized, informed, thoughtful, and skilled young people who are learning how to learn and can be of greater value to themselves and to the people around them.