Voters endorsed as source of school board success

Greater La Conner has two contested races in this fall’s elections: school board districts 1 and 2. Incumbent Kate Szurek is challenged by La Conner Community Scholarship Foundation Vice President John Agen in District 1. Board Chair Janie Beasley faces Marlys Baker, a tribal member and nurse with four children in La Conner schools.

In this time of turmoil in the school district, with the teachers and support staff unions telling the board that they want Superintendent Whitney Meissner replaced, participatory leadership is needed. It is critical that the board create good relationships with staff and residents Continued strong community engagement is a good thing.

This is a time for voters to reflect on who will best bring a resolution to the dispute and help everyone in the community start the process of healing.

This paper, therefore, is unflinching in deciding its endorsements. With absolute certainty it is getting behind the true source of change.

For this important election the Weekly News is endorsing . . . The district’s voters.

Yes, the paper is placing its confidence in each and every adult in the school district. If you will be 18 by Nov. 5 and have lived here for 30 days, it is your responsibility to have a role in leading the school district into the future.

Not registered? No problem. You can register to vote on election day.

Not informed? Solve that problem. Online voters’ pamphlet are accessed through Vote Washington: https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx. Type your name and birthday to get the voter pamphlet and much more.

Better still, call the candidates. Even better: meet with each. Here is their contact information:

John T. Agen, (360) 503-4049, [email protected]

Kate Szurek, (360) 466-9149, [email protected]

Marlys Baker, (254) 383-0642, [email protected]

Janie Beasley, (360) 770-8075, [email protected]

Prove I made the right choice in endorsing all the districts residents. Do your research. Register to vote if you need to. Vote.

Pick all winners. Start by voting, proving that you are a winner. Vote and make our democracy, our local community and yourself a winner.

In the uncontested races, investigate the incumbents and decide to vote for them, or not. Make an informed choice on voting or not voting.

Your ballot will arrive in your mailbox this week.