Reynolds: No longer content to sit on the sidelines

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I couldn't wait to cast my first ballot when I turned 18. And, I've always voted in midterm elections. However, I am one of those people who won't vote for certain races if I don't know anything about them. And, for most of my life that has been true when it comes to the school board race. In fact, the very first time I ever voted in a school board election was only about 4 years ago.

I only knew one of the three or four people who were running at that time. I attended a candidate forum and I talked to other parents who were involved. And, I voted.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be here just three and a half short years later running for the same school board.

But, as I've taken the time to get to know the members of my district, I realize how many people are just like me and don't plan to vote on any race they haven't researched. There are also a lot of people who either don't think they need to vote if they don't have a child in school or that they no longer need to pay attention now that their kids are grown.

I've been doing my best to educate people on the issues. And, also to let them know why it very much does matter that they weigh in on the school board race.

School board issues affect the community at large. According to the California School Board Association, "The role of the school board is to ensure that school districts are responsive to the values, beliefs and priorities of their communities."

That means everyone. Not just parents. Not even just parents and grandparents. Everyone. Future generations who will have a say and who will vote on matters that affect the rest of us are being educated right now. How many of us have said, "Well back in my day we …"

Here is our opportunity to have a say. Here is our opportunity to make a difference in our community.

One of the things I will take away from this whole experience is that going forward I will be researching everything. No longer will I be content to sit on the sidelines for ANY race in which I have the legal right and obligation in which to have a say.

Please, make a difference and vote for me, Charise Reynolds, on June 7.

Charise Reynolds is a candidate for the Middletown Unified School Board. She lives in Middletown, California.