Wow!  Election season is upon us!  Again!

Of course, this is referred to as an “off year” wherein there are no national or state-wide contests.  However, there arelocal elections which, in my opinion, are sometimes more important than those that take place at the higher levels.

You see, the local “Grass Roots” are where you first hear the voices of the people themselves and it is during these local elections that public policy is born.  In so doing they provide the ultimate compass bearing for the direction of state and national policies.

For instance, what could be more important than a school board election which ultimately determines the curriculum that will be placed before our young people?  Will it teach them conservative values?  The fundamental nature of our constitution and the philosophies of our founding fathers?  And, more importantly, will we locals have a voice in what our children are taught?

Or will we surrender our voice to a national “Common Core” which is nothing less than a federal “take over” of our local schools whereby the omniscient federal government will dictate the educational standards and, more importantly, the “values” of our children.  Please remember… Russia’s Vladimir Lenin once famously said “Give me 4 years to teach the children and the seed I have planted will never be uprooted”.

So while school board elections are “non-partisan” – and rightfully so – it is essential that school board members hold certain conservative values and so I encourage you to vote for Debbie Fuson for Port Angeles School Board  and for Michael Howe for Sequim School Board.

Other “non-partisan” positions, which nonetheless cry out for conservative valued candidates, are as follows:

Sequim City Council position 3.  Political newcomer – and recently of the 101st Air Born (Iraq) – Brandon Janisse has declared for this position.  A Sequim native, Brandon stands for transparency and fiscal responsibility.  He thinks the city should stick to local infrastructure and help businesses develop to the benefit of the community.  He is well worth your consideration.

Sequim City Council position 4.  Congratulations are offered to Dennis Smith who is uncontested and will remain on the council for the next four years.  He has done a great job thus far and we look forward to more of the same.

Port Angeles Council position 4.  Congratulations also to Dan Gase who is also uncontested and will fill the position vacated by Brooke Nelson who is stepping down.  Further congratulations to him for stepping in to fill the vacant position created by Max Mania’s departure.

Sean Ryan, an 18 year resident of Clallam County, a local business owner, and a volunteer fireman for the past 5 years, is contesting for Commissioner, Fire District #3.  He appears to be voice for a new direction and would merit a close look.

Colleen McAleer, vying for Port District Commissioner #1, has served her country as a platoon leader assigned to the front lines of Operation Desert Storm – the first woman to be so assigned – as a helicopter pilot, and as an intelligence officer.  She will utilize her recent experience as the Port’s Director of Business Development, her intelligence background, and her passion for detail, further augmented by her “inner geek”, to take the port to a more financially sustainable level by pursuing untapped business opportunities.  Colleen will do a great job as Port Commissioner.

Obviously, I have not covered all of the positions up for election but will continue to acquaint myself with the other candidates and will offer my opinion on the candidacies via email in the coming weeks.  Because, as I often say, everybody has a right to my opinion…