It's election season for Jeffco Public School Board, with three of five seats up for election. Sadly for the democratic process, the candidate for one of the seats, current board appointee Robin Johnson, is running unopposed, however the contests for the other two seats offer clear choices.

The two contests are incumbent Sue Marinelli, who is being challenged by Laura Boggs, and last year's board appointee Rick Rush facing Paula Noonan.(Although the candidates must come from geographical districts, all Jeffco residents vote for all board positions - I believe these candidates are from districts 2 and 5, but, as a voter, it doesn't matter to me.)

I attended a recent candidate forum to learn more about each candidate's experience and general philosophies about district leadership. First, I found all four candidates are clearly dedicated professionals, and I really appreciate their stepping up, as volunteers, to be educational leaders. Second, my personal perspective is that the status quo isn't good enough, and my bias is to support candidates with a focus on fiscal responsibility, looking to do more with what's available.

From my kitchen chair (it's a mail-in election), I will be voting for Laura Boggs and Rick Rush.

Ms. Boggs and her husband have been deeply involved in Jeffco Public Schools for a number of years. I see her as a demanding business professional and parent, questioning everything, and I believe that perspective will be of tremendous benefit to the district in these times. For instance, in a general discussion about budget, Ms. Boggs champions re-thinking the district - start with what you want the classroom to look like and how it should operate, then build the support for the classroom around those parameters. I personally love this "bottom up" approach; I've seen people get so involved with percentage cuts or dollar reduction methodologies, they miss the opportunity to re-evaluate the big picture.

Mr. Rush was appointed last year to fill a board vacancy, and it's my belief we Jeffco residents are incredibly lucky to have such an accomplished "numbers guy" volunteering for us. Mr. Rush is an actuary whose business is financial risk management. He also was involved with various district committees for years prior to his appointment last year, and besides appreciating his thoughtful approach to problem solving, I want someone who knows numbers inside and out on a board overseeing $700 million in annual operating expenses.

Tough times present challenges and unique opportunities. I believe Jeffco voters who are not satisfied with the status quo have an opportunity to bring a fresh and demanding perspective, along with fiscal responsibility, to the Jeffco school board by voting in candidates Laura Boggs and Rick Rush.

Linda Sasenick
Golden, CO