The time for early voting, for public forums, for letters to the editor and for civic debate is over. The preliminaries have been wrapped up, and now it's time for East Texans to decide a wide array of local elections, from choosing city council and school board members to deciding the fate of ambitious building programs.
Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have been dominating the national headlines and news shows for months, but local voters have some choices to make Saturday that are every bit as important.
Longview Independent School District voters are being asked to decide the fate of a $266.9 million school bond referendum. If voters approve the proposal, the plans are to build eight new campuses and additions at three others. Most of the district's elementary schools and middle schools would be replaced and major additions are planned at Longview High School, meaning all grade levels would be affected.
The sweeping construction program fits well with the major education program changes the school district is undertaking with the leadership of Superintendent James E. Wilcox. The Longview News-Journal has closely studied the construction program as well as the education programs that are transforming the city's largest school district and has recommended voters support the bond referendum.
On the other side of town, the smaller Spring Hill Independent School District also finds that some of its aging facilities are no longer suitable to the needs of the growing student population. Spring Hill leaders are asking their voters to approve a $41.8 million bond referendum. The centerpiece in the Spring Hill proposal is a new high school. After meeting with school board leaders and bond committee members, the newspaper recommended voters in Spring Hill approve the building program, a decision that will help the schools meet the need of a burgeoning student population.
Many local city council and school board races are once again uncontested, but there are several races to be decided by voters.
Sidney Bell Willis, the incumbent in Longview City Council District 3, is being challenged by Harvel Davis as she seeks her third term. The Longview News-Journal has recommended voters return Willis to her final term under the city's term limits, but also encouraged Davis to step up his civic involvement in preparation for future service to his hometown.
In Pine Tree Independent School District, incumbent school board member Gil Gillam is being challenged by former Pine Tree teacher Frank Dykes. The Longview News-Journal recommended Gillam's re-election, but also encouraged Dykes to try again if he loses this election.
In Spring Hill, there is one contested race. Kelly Alm and John S. Borens are seeking the vacancy being left by longtime trustee Linda Holbert. The Longview News-Journal made no recommendation in this race.
Although the Longview News-Journal looks closely at the issues and at the candidates before making any recommendations in political races or referenda, the endorsements that we publish are simply recommendations. At the polls, it is up to voters to make independent decisions, based on their own knowledge and opinions.
Yes, we believe certain candidates or certain propositions on the ballot can help move this community, this state or this nation forward. But we believe that a heavy turnout by well-informed voters can be every bit as important.
That's why we implore readers who haven't already cast early ballots to get out Saturday and fulfill in their civic duty by voting in local elections. The issues are too important for you to stay home.
