LETTERS: Supports two RSU #18 candidates

To the editor:

Early voting begins Monday, October 6.

There is an important election coming up for RSU #18 community. There are two open seats for the school board. It is important to have school board members who are capable of reflecting on what’s best for the students and making progress while maintaining the strengths of the district.

I am strongly endorsing two of the candidates for the board; Alicia Barnes, in Oakland, and Heather Neal, in China. I am currently a board member, and this endorsement is from me personally.

Alicia Barnes is a veteran, having been deployed to Iraq. She’s been involved in the planning board in Waterville. Her educational priorities include: a safe, high quality education for every student; transparency of the board while engaging all stakeholders; sensitivity to taxpayers needs in balancing the school budget; inclusion of all members of the community in discussions.

Heather Neal: has enormous budget and financial experience professionally: as well as community service including leadership in the China School parents organization F.O.C.E.S.; places a high value on all members of the community being heard and included; and importantly is a parent of students currently in the system!

Unfortunately, there is a third candidate; Mr. Stubbert, running for the Oakland seat. I don’t know him. However, he previously served on the board. Records show that he barely attended half the meetings! One his few policy suggestions was to increase administrators salaries.

RSU #18 community deserves board members who will attend meetings.

Please vote.

John Soifer
China