OPINION VOTE If education is as important as everybody says it is, you should study the candidates in the March 9 election. You may not have been bombarded with TV commercials or billboards, but that doesn't mean that the current election isn't important. Public education is the issue in Oregon this year, and many of you can help decide who will constitute the Portland School Board, easily the most important such body in the state. Many of you can also help pick members of the county's educational service district, which does the vital job of hiring and managing the more than 100 special-education and alternative-ed teachers who serve our most vulnerable students. Finally, some of you will be able to guide the direction of the state's largest institution of higher education by choosing board members for Portland Community College. Ballots are due March 9. Here's a recap of our endorsements: Portland School Board, Zone 1 Karla Wenzel Karla Wenzel promises to be a real improvement over incumbent Donna Jordan. Her experience in the state budget office and as an assistant state attorney general, as well as her work on the Salem School District's budget committee, should serve her well Portland School Board, Zone 2 Sue Hagmeier Incumbent Sue Hagmeier promises to develop her political and communicative skills in what would be her second term. We think she deserves such a chance, in part because she sees the issues facing the district with the sort of clarity that will be of real value. Hagmeier's two opponents, Len Freiser and Andrew Chilton, are well-intentioned, but neither makes a compelling case for her removal Portland School Board, Zone 3 Marc Abrams Marc Abrams may be the most obnoxious member of the board, but he is also one of the most forceful. On a variety issues--from all-day kindergarten to after-school care to the Humboldt reconstitution--he has been willing to push for his beliefs. He deserves another term over challenger Carolyn Sheldon. Multnomah Education Service District, Position 5 Judy Chambers The incumbent in this race, Judy Chambers, is a solid, if not terribly flashy, workhorse on a board that provides regional educational services--from school supplies to immunizations to special-ed teachers--to eight local school districts. Chambers, who has served on the MESD since 1987, has 23 years of experience as a local schools activist, which provides stability on a board that is often seen as a stepping stone to a higher office. Multnomah Education Service District Position 6 Ron Chinn We believe incumbent Ron Chinn would get our endorsement over a crop of good candidates. In this case, however, he is opposed by three men who seem more interested in running for an office than in the office itself. Chinn has used his background as a high-tech sales representative to improve computer use, both in the classroom and the administration, and has exhibited the hardworking ability to work with other counselors. Portland Community College Board Zone 2 Harold Williams Harold Williams is the most visible member of the PCC board, a frequent presence on the Cascade campus and an eloquent supporter of the college's mission, particularly as it pertains to minority students. Portland Community College Board Zone 7 Ed Dennis Incumbent Karen McKinney has served the board well for 12 years, but it's clearly time for a change. Thankfully, there is a real choice. Ed Dennis, director of the Oregon Student Association, displays an impressive grasp of PCC's issues, such as funding, day-care and the heavy reliance on part-time faculty. His energy and experience will be crucial to PCC's effort to refine its mission and seek support from the public. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Willamette Week | originally published March 3, 1999