You can vote for one candidate in each of the four seats that are up for grabs. Some of the candidates would deny that they have formed slates, but you can see a clear grouping when you talk with them. So I'm going to go ahead and refer to two slates, which are:

Slate 1 - John Carson, Dan Gerken, Doug Benevento, and Meghann Silverthorn

Slate 2 - Sue Catterall, Kevin Leung, Kristine Turner, and Emily Hansen

Slate 1 is a pretty tight-knit group. In the many candidate forums that have taken place in the past couple of months, you quickly notice that Carson, Gerken (if he shows up) and Silverthorn are pretty quiet. Ask them direct questions, and you get vague answers suggesting that they know or care little about education policy. As an incumbent, Carson is especially disappointing in how little he has to say. Benevento has become the de facto spokesman for the group, and he doesn't mince words at all. Douglas County (the wealthiest in Colorado, by far) can't afford good schools, he claims. He proposes drastic funding cutbacks. His teammates don't utter a word of disagreement.

So with Slate 1, you know what you're getting. If you think teachers have a hard job keeping a room of 20-30 kids under control and learning, imagine the same room with 40-50 kids. That's their vision.

Slate 2 is more diverse, and all the candidates have a lot to say. Unlike Slate 1, the Slate 2 candidates all have kids in the school system and all have volunteered heavily in the schools for many years. They don't all agree on a lot of things, but they all have very well thought-out opinions. Two of the Slate 2 candidates, Turner and Hansen, are the incumbent President and Vice President, respectively. Through hard work and ingenuity, they have kept the district on top in Colorado for school choice, academic achievement, and test scores, in spite of the tough economic climate.

Slate 2 would certainly provide a more diverse set of views and a more resourceful approach. All of them place top priority on maintaining Colorado's best schools. That's their vision.

Now you may have noticed the breathless shrill emails and robocalls from GOP functionaries and politicians, claiming that the election is all about the teacher's union, and therefore is partisan. Scratch the surface, and there's no truth in it. The teacher's union, whose membership is equally Republican and Democratic, endorsed Slate 2, which is also equally Republican and Democratic. There's nothing partisan in that. They chose the candidates they felt were most qualified. The union in Douglas County actually would make a great example for other unions nationwide: by maintaining a constructive relationship with the administration, they have managed to attract great teachers, maintain high quality, and all at the lowest cost in the metro area.

As a parent and taxpayer, I say "high quality and low cost, what's not to like?" And it's not just a campaign promise, it's what we already have, right now. So let's be conservative and conserve that.

The GOP decided to endorse Slate 1, apparently because those were the people left over after subtracting the ones the teachers endorsed. It's hard to understand why the Republican Party decided to get involved in this election. Parents in the district haven't been crying out for shrill partisanship, they simply want the best education for their kids.

It might appear that the race is between parents for Slate 2 and anti-government types for Slate 1. But even if you're not in one of those groups, you have a lot at stake. Colorado has a lot of beautiful places to live, but only one county has the best schools. That's why I moved here, and it's why many parents did. If Douglas County declines through lack of public support, but Cherry Creek thrives, then I'll take my kids there. Who wouldn't, if they have a choice? If you own a house or a local business, think of supply and demand. Less demand for your property means lower value. Don't let Douglas County lose its competitive edge.

Obviously I'm voting for Slate 2, and I hope you will too. Turnout has been very low: don't assume other people will do your voting for you! It's quick and easy. Halftime of today's Broncos game would be a perfect time.

Election Day is Tuesday, and your ballot must be received (not mailed) by 7pm Tuesday. If I were you I wouldn't trust the mail, but take your ballot in its envelope to a drop off location in person, and put it in the ballot box. To find a drop-off site, visit www.douglasvotes.com. If you lost your ballot, you can go to a service center (again www.douglasvotes.com) to get a new one.