In my unofficial poll — well, while talking with friends since Tuesday’s election, anyway — it seems the one thing all voters have in common is a sense of relief that the interminable (and disgusting) political attack ads have ended. Gosh, wouldn’t it be refreshing — oh yeah, and informative — if candidates ran on their résumés? Firing zingers at other office seekers isn’t really one of the qualifications we were looking for.

EDITOR,

Fall is an exciting time in our area. The weather starts to cool, the high school football teams are in action (and throttling their opponents) and folks are decorating their homes for Halloween. On Tuesday, Nov. 2, we’ll head to the polls for the third time in 2010, this time to vote on a new governor, nine state propositions and a handful of local offices. With that in mind, we’d like to remind parents to talk with their children about these two important issues.

EDITOR,

EDITOR,

EDITOR,

EDITOR,

We received several letters this week from candidates who are running for various offices. Per company policy, the Press-Banner does not publish letters directly from candidates during election season; the editorial page would become a free-for-all if we did. We will, however, publish the letters at www.pressbanner.com.

EDITOR,

Friends and neighbors, thank you for the many kind words of support during my campaign for Scotts Valley School Board. Although I entered the election late, I am by no means new to Scotts Valley or our schools. As a former Scotts Valley police officer, I was awarded the Medal of Merit, the Scotts Valley Mayors Service Award and the California Youth Authority Individual Service Award for my service to the youth of Scotts Valley. More recently, I am raising three daughters, all of who have graduated from or are enrolled in Scotts Valley schools. I am currently a reserve deputy sheriff and the lead instructor of the administration of justice program at Gavilan College. I entered the race because I felt a two-candidate race for two seats was a non-issue, and I wanted to raise the issue of school quality now. Not in January when the new board is seated. I applaud my fellow candidates’ commitment to public service and their desire to serve at a time when tough decisions will have to be made. It has been a pleasure to meet all of you during this campaign, and I thank you.