I would like to thank both the Ilwaco Merchants Association and the AAUW for taking the time to sponsor the two candidate forums for our community. Also, for the forum held at the Ocean Park Fire Department involving school board candidates. Well done everyone!

Interesting that all these events the most interest hovered on how candidates for the school board felt about community-based schools versus a single campus school. Last night’s forum clearly defined the split between candidates on this issue. What bothers me is hearing how maintenance issues are driving the idea of a new school. It would seem logical that the school board would want to increase the budget for school maintenance and even go so far as to hire temporary help in the off season to accelerate maintenance.

The schools I attended in the 1950s are still functioning and look no worse for wear and they were community-based schools that many of us walked to during the school year. We even had sports between these community-based schools. When there was a school event, be it a play or sporting event or other program, the bleachers would be full of parents and locals.

My last word on this is get out and vote for the candidate that you feel is best.

CHARLES MIKKOLA

Ocean Park