TIMES STANDARD Endorses WELSH and MINKEMA

By JIM WELSH

It's time to vote, again

It's almost upon us. Another Election Day, just weeks after the last one.

But rather than recall mania, this one will focus on area service districts, school boards and other local panels. These elected seats make up the core stuff of local democracy at its most basic - and some might say, its most valuable - level.

Those who serve on these panels do so with little or no compensation. The knowledge that they're performing a vital task is usually the only reward for sitting through long meetings, reading reams of government documents and dealing with the other grief that comes with the job. That, and as corny as it sounds, the ability to give something back to their community.

There are dozens of local races to be decided Tuesday. ... For reasons of space, we've selected just a few high-profile elections on which to make endorsements.

But please, wherever you live on the North Coast and whoever you support for whatever Board or panel, be sure to vote Nov. 4.

Northern Humboldt Union High School District

Cathy Minkema and Jim Welsh

In both of the county's two largest school districts, voters must choose between incumbents who can point with pride to improved educational programs during their watch, and challengers who say they'll better respond to the concerns of parents whose voices aren't heard.

Both groups make compelling arguments. But in general, we believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's certainly the case in Northern Humboldt, whose teachers consistently win awards and recognition for great teaching.

Arcata and McKinleyville High Schools have been recognized by organizations across the nation with grants for prestigious history, technology and safety programs. we believe incumbents Cathy Minkema and Jim Welsh deserve a chance to come up with further innovations and we think their experience will help as the District goes into its toughest financial year yet.