In spite of the fact that school board elections are supposed to be non-partisan, the Republican candidates are prominently displaying their party affiliation on their literature and yard signs.  I wonder if these candidates do not trust voters to make an informed decision based on what else the candidates are saying about their qualifications and philosophies.  This practice of announcing their party also indicates that the Republicans have decided to make their own rules, a predictable act of arrogance when one party becomes dominant.  The behavior of the Cd’A School Board earlier this year in rejecting the PYP and IB programs is another manifestation of this arrogance: constituents were allowed to have their say, to vent, but the Board, without the further consideration normally given in any bonafide public hearing, read prepared statements and voted out the programs.  We can only expect more of this behavior if these candidates are elected.

It is time, dear voters, to bring balance and accountability to the Board by electing those candidates who have rejected the easy shorthand of a party label and who are running on their own considerable merits of talent, experience, knowledge, and deep respect for public education and its role in building a healthy community. Those candidates are Tom Hearn, Dave Eubanks, and Christa Hazel.

Exercise your most precious right as a citizen: VOTE!  Especially in school elections your single vote is powerful and by itself could determine the winner.

PAULA NEILS

Hauser