Editorial: Education candidates endorsed

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2002 | 9:08 a.m.

State Board of Education

Gary Waters, a longtime educational administrator and consultant, is seeking a third term in District 2. He is opposed by Roger "Oz" Baum, a children's book author. Waters has been a strong proponent of requiring a science proficiency test for high school students. He also believes firmly in the value of after-school programs, which can increase a student's overall academic performance if they're well-run. Waters is thoughtful and one of the top members of the board. The Sun endorses Gary Waters.

In District 5, Priscilla Rocha is running for a second term. Her opponent is Dorothy Nolan, a retired educator. Rocha, a bilingual educator, emphasizes the need to reduce the state's high school dropout rate and find ways to improve the nutrition of meals served in public schools. Rocha has done well in her first four years. The Sun endorses Priscilla Rocha.

Patrick Boylan, in District 6, is running against Albert Ochoa, a 24-year-old who is making his first run for elective office. The two are battling to fill the seat vacated by Jan Biggerstaff, who is not seeking re-election. Ochoa, a claims adjuster, is energetic and a strong candidate who wants to improve technology in classrooms. But the edge goes to Boylan, a college instructor, because of his experience and his longstanding dedication to education. The Sun endorses Patrick Boylan.

University Board of Regents

District 2 is an open seat, which has former School Board member Robert Forbuss facing Bret Whipple, a lawyer and an accountant. Forbuss clearly is the best choice in this race. Forbuss at one time was a high school history teacher, and he was a steadying influence during his tenure on the School Board. He also has been a successful businessman, who once owned the Mercy ambulance service, and is a former chairman of the board of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Forbuss understands the need to have a top-level higher education system. Forbuss' moderate, low-key demeanor also would be welcome on the Board of Regents, which too frequently has become personality-driven. The Sun endorses Robert Forbuss.

In District 3, incumbent Thalia Dondero faces Paul Aizley, an administrator at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dondero, a longtime resident of Southern Nevada, knows the challenges that growth poses to our region -- especially for its university system. She has been actively involved in the community as well, and is a former Clark County commissioner. Dondero's breadth of knowledge and diverse experience is invaluable for the Board of Regents. The Sun endorses Thalia Dondero.

Aldo Aguirre and Jack Schofield, a former state legislator, are squaring off against each other in newly created District 5. Aguirre, an impressive and intelligent candidate, currently is a consultant for the Nevada Department of Education. Aguirre is a firm believer that higher education should remain accessible and affordable for Nevadans. Aguirre, a fresh voice, would be a nice addition to the board. The Sun endorses Aldo Aguirre.

Stavros Anthony, a Metro Police captain, is facing Jeff Knight, a small-business owner in newly created District 12. Anthony says one of the keys to Southern Nevada's continued success resides in economic diversity. To accomplish that requires a well-educated workforce -- and that obviously includes a quality university system. Anthony has earned a master's degree in political science and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, so he is familiar with the issues facing students and faculty members. Anthony would be a refreshing new voice on the board. The Sun endorses Stavros Anthony.

School Board

In District D, two-term incumbent Larry Mason, dean of student development at the Community College of Southern Nevada, is being challenged by Pablo Castro Zavala, an independent television producer. One of Mason's top priorities is to ensure that older schools don't get left out as the district continues to build new schools. Mason has served the residents of his district well and he deserves another term. The Sun endorses Larry Mason.

Susan Brager, who is seeking her third term, faces Mitchell Tracy, an insurance claims adjuster in the District F race. Brager, a Realtor, has brought her business sense to the School Board, seeking ways to make the School District run more efficiently. While the state Legislature has lowered the class sizes in the first through third grades, Brager believes the Legislature should also increase funding so that we have smaller class sizes in middle schools and high schools -- especially in critical areas such as math. It's important to keep Brager, with her proven leadership, on the School Board. The Sun endorses Susan Brager.

In District G, incumbent Sheila Moulton is facing an energetic candidate in Julie "Gina" Greisen, a fourth-generation Nevadan and a trustee for Teamsters Local 14. But the experience of Moulton, a former substitute teacher, and her commitment to improving accountability and academic achievement in our schools, gives her the nod. The Sun endorses Sheila Moulton.