Special to The Record Gazette


We used to have a neighbor I nicknamed “the general.” The moniker was not earned because I respected him that much, he just liked to boss people around. We would talk at the mailbox or while he was pruning his impeccable garden.

He was quick to opine about politics or the state of the world. I took his self-proclaimed wisdom with major grains of salt. One day, being somewhat new to the neighborhood, I asked him where the local polling place was located. He looked at me quizzically. He asked why I wanted to know. I said something I thought was fairly logical like, “I want to know where to go to vote.” Much to my chagrin and delight, he told me he was not registered to vote!

Here's where the fun came in. I was chagrined, because I was brought up to recognize the importance of voting and he had just blown it! The delight part was when I told him that I no longer had to listen to his opinion, because if he didn't vote; he had waived his right to give me his thoughts since he didn't exercise his right, and I believe his duty to vote. That was a long time ago but my resolve has not wavered.

I was brought up in New York and the day I reached my legal majority, I registered to vote and have voted in every election, large or small ever since. My long association and respect for League of Women Voters allowed me to be fiercely political; just non-partisan. For many years, I have banged the drum for people to vote Š preferably informed!

While we are over a year away from the “big election in 2008” - we've got a smaller but equally important election approaching on November 6, 2007. Banning voters will be asked to make their voices heard in two local elections. There is one seat on the Mt. San Jacinto College District. Incumbent Gene Kadow will be facing challengers Greg Barker and David A. Sanchez.

This is the first time that residents of Sun Lakes will vote in the Banning Unified School District. There are three seats (of the total 5) up in this election. Incumbents Amy R. Herr and Karl D. Walton will face Deborah Dukes, Kathleen Forney, C. Allen “Chuck” Braswell, Laurence H. Silverman, Beatrice “Judy” Peterson, Mark D. Parker, Robyn J. Neccochea and Charles S. Varga.

Longtime BUSD Superintendent of Schools Kathleen McNamara has resigned her position, so her staying or leaving is not an issue for this election. Candidates should have a platform as to how they will interact with their board colleagues to make Banning schools the best that they can be and become the envy of the area.

Too many people might pass up this local election and I think that would be a HUGE mistake. To paraphrase former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neal, “all government is local” and the local school district is a prime example.

I do not have children or grandchildren in the Banning Unified School District but I do pay taxes and have to help pay off the bond issues, so I want to make certain that those who serve as school board trustees are the best qualified and equipped to make  wise and prudent decisions.

As I plan to reside in Banning for the foreseeable future, I am deeply interested in the integrity of the community and how and where it grows and where the tax dollars come from to support our substantial current and future infrastructure needs. When residents or businesses are thinking of relocating to Banning, the quality of its school district counts!

I urge you to vote on November 6th. Or, like me, apply for your absentee ballot in a timely manner. Whatever you do, please vote informed.

(Gail Paparian is a Banning resident.)