We have lived in Ocean Park since 1994 and have been happy with our choice. Living in a small village has many advantages, one being that if you pay attention, you have a close-up view of how things run and when they need fixing. As much as we love our hometown, there are some things needing fixing. Here are our endorsements for the upcoming election; Two Ocean Beach School District Board candidates and one Port of Peninsula Commissioner candidate — we believe these are the people capable of fixing things.

Karen Stephens has everything it takes to be an effective and forward-thinking Ocean Beach School District Board member. Her experience as a business owner and community volunteer gives her a unique perspective and skill set that will be of great importance to the duties of the board. Karen asks questions and seeks answers. She believes in accountability and has an incredibly high sense of integrity. She is concerned about the level of education our area’s students have been receiving and is willing to work hard to see that the best decisions are made to allow improvement and sustainability for our students’ educations. She understands budgets and planning forward.

After hearing incumbent John Holtermann was planning on resigning, effective Oct. 15 — a mere four days before the ballots go out — Karen determined the time was right for her to run as a write-in candidate. To vote for her, go to the ballot section labeled Ocean Beach School District No 101 – Director District 5. Holtermann’s name appears and directly below his name is the line to write-in Karen Stephens (with a ph). She is the right person for the job.

Mark Mansell is also running for an OBSD board director position. In his case, he is running against an opponent, incumbent Anna Taft. Mark’s tremendous background in education has been noted by others endorsing him, but what we feel are his strong points outside of his extensive knowledge of best practices regarding school administration is his understanding of students and educators and his ability to lead clear and thoughtful discussions on complicated matters that allow all stakeholders to be heard, acknowledged and respected. He understands that the best solutions are often comprised of seemingly divergent opinions and is a firm supporter of neighborhood school systems and community involvement. His advice to the group opposing the recent (and failed) school bond debacle was sound and nonprejudicial. Our school district would experience great improvement with him on board.

Our third candidate endorsement is Chuck Mikkola, who is running for commissioner at the Port of Peninsula, a position we are very familiar with as Bonnie is the current commissioner he will replace. Chuck has the engineering background, the government background and the financial background to be an excellent commissioner. He has integrity and is a forward-thinking person. Check has been vocal about the problems at the port — many of you have read his letters on the disastrous way the port is being managed. He does not believe in retaliatory management or procrastination. He is the best choice for the position — bottom line.

Integrity, honesty, accountability and transparency are needed at the school district and at the port. We believe OBSD Director District 5, write-in candidate Karen Stephens, OBSD Director District 1 candidate Mark Mansell and Port of Peninsula Commissioner District 2 candidate Chuck Mikkola will bring these strengths to the table. Please join us in voting for them.

CHARLIE and BONNIE COZBY

Ocean Park