Out of My Mind Take time to vote in school election

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

— Historically there has been a low turnout at school elections. Voters from within the Pea Ridge School District are being asked to select a School Board member at the elections Tuesday, Sept. 15.

There are four candidates.

Again and again we hear people complain that no one wants to serve their community. Here are four people who have spent time, energy and money campaigning for a seat that is sometimes said to be thankless.

Our school is the largest entity in our community. It is the largest employer in the city. Our children are tomorrow's voters, citizens, leaders. Regardless of whether you have a child or grandchild in this school, if you live in this district, the school's business concerns you.

Every landowner in the district pays taxes to the school. How they spend your money is your business.

Take time to vote. Consider the candidates. Don't just vote against someone, don't just vote for a familiar name or your best friend's cousin's son or daughter. Although that may seem far fetched, it's amazing the reasons people give for how they cast their vote.

Consider each candidate and their stand on issues. Call them and ask questions.

It really doesn't take much time out of your day and you owe it to yourself, and your community, to vote. What a sad commentary on our community if only 5 or 10 percent of registered voters elect the men and women who make the decisions spending our taxes and governing our schools.

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The lockdown at the school last week caused panic among many parents; many parents drove to the schools to check on their children.

Thankfully, there was not a shooter or any weapons. Many parents recalled the stories of the shooting at Columbine, Colo., citing that as the foundation of their fears.

If there had been a shooter, would their presence have helped or hindered the security of our children, school staff and law enforcement personnel?

Patience is not one of my strongest virtues, but maybe it was a time for patience to wait for the news of the all clear to not hinder the safekeeping of our children.

Opinion, Pages 4 on 09/09/2009