This is going to be a big election year, with critical choices to be made at the national, state, and local levels. As a famous political leader of the twentieth century, House Speaker Tip O’Neill, once said, “All politics is local politics.” Many municipalities and districts in our Pasadena area are holding elections on November 8, including:
- Alhambra School District and City Council
- Arcadia School District
- Duarte School District
- La Cañada School District
- Monrovia School District
- Monterey Park City Council
- Pasadena School District
- San Gabriel School District and City Council
- San Marino School District
- South Pasadena School District and City Council
People turn to the League as a trusted nonpartisan facilitator of candidate forums; it is one of the things we do that enhances our visibility and respect in the community. We have already received requests from Alhambra, Pasadena, Duarte, and La Cañada, and more will certainly follow.
Helping with candidate forums as moderator, question sorter, or timekeeper is one of the League’s most fulfilling and enjoyable volunteer activities. You are truly making democracy work at the grass roots. The forums provide all involved with insights into what motivates and engages the voters in our communities. And the forums all take place within a four-week period—then they’re over. Many of you have frequently served as valued forum volunteers in the past, but all members are encouraged to help. We will provide training and support from an experienced volunteer.
Since there are so many school district elections, members of the Education Committee as well as educators among our members should consider getting involved, especially as question sorters, where your knowledge of school district issues will be valuable.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact me!
—Katherine Gavzy, forums [at] lwv-pa.org
