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In This Issue...
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Looking Toward November
Candidate Filing Opens for Dozens of Local Races
By Linda Fridy
This year may feel like one long election season as spring primaries were quickly followed by the state Senate special election. By the time that race is decided in August, candidates for local races in the November general election will have joined with those carried over from the June primaries.
California has a gubernatorial race at the top of the ballot Nov. 2, but those interested in becoming involved at a local level, whether with government, schools, public safety or recreation, have the chance to also get their names on the ballot this summer. Filing began July 12 and ends Aug. 6, unless the incumbent chooses not to run. Those races get extra filing time, through Aug. 11
Many races will have familiar names, as most incumbents that spoke with The Post intend to try for another term.
Another Run in Capitola and Scotts Valley
In Capitola, current Mayor Sam Storey and Council Member Bob Begun confirmed that they will run again. An early challenger already announced as well: Mike Termini, who lost his seat two years ago in one of the city's closest-ever contests, has already declared he will also campaign.
Termini is not the only former council member making another run. Stephanie Harlan, who currently serves with him on the Planning Commission, said after weighing the time commitment, she decided her interest in serving the community was stonger and she pulled papers on July 15.
The third incumbent, Ron Graves, said he had not yet made up his mind. Both of Scotts Valley's incumbents, Mayor Jim Reed and council veteran Stephany Aguilar, said they will run again. Reed won his seat unopposed in a special election in 2007, and Aguilar has served three four-year terms.
Open Seat in Aptos
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District will have an open seat. Kim Turley, who defeated long-time board member Sharon Gray in 2006, has decided not to pursue a second term, citing personal reasons.
"In the last year, I've had four close friends and family pass away. … It's taken a toll on me," she said.
Among them was her friend and real estate business partner Bob Winters, and Turley said she needs to focus on her business and new partners.
She said she relished her time on the board, in spite of the many heartrending decisions that had to be made as state revenues fell.
"Even if I knew four years ago what it would be like, I'd still do it again. I've met so many incredible people. … Since I've been on the school board, I've felt so connected to the [Aptos] community," she said.
Turley represents the coastal Area Seven, which extends west of Highway 1 from Seacliff through Rio Del Mar, to La Selva Beach.
Leslie De Rose, who represents Area Five in southwestern Watsonville, said she will seek a second term.
The board's veteran trustee Willie Yahiro also plans to run again. He will likely face challenger Francisco Diaz who posted an early statement of intent.
Libby Wilson, the current board president and fourth incumbent, is out of the country and was unavailable for comment.
Kathy Mann, the only woman currently serving on the County Board of Education, told her fellow trustees she will not seek another term. She has represented the southernmost part of the county along with the portion of Monterey County that falls within the Pajaro Valley District since 1994.
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