Elections allow us to influence the finances, planning and policies of governing bodies. One of the most important is our school board, charged with educating our children.

My years in public service convinced me of the need to elect informed, outstanding citizens who have no other desire than doing what's best for students. It's not good policy to elect folks beholding to employee groups.

I'm a big fan of educators. My mother was one. But I seriously question whether school employees can serve on a local school board without an inherent conflict of interest. Elected representatives must answer to the public's investment in schools, not the desires of employee groups. Just as the nation's highly respected military does not set its own missions, educators should be directed by a citizen board regarding key mission and policy decisions.

According to the National School Board Association, a school board serves as a check and balance on school operations and financing. I recommend Brian Brooks, Ron Mabry and Ben Messinger for Kennewick Schools. They are smart and caring citizens with the management and financial experience to oversee our schools. We can rely on them to serve the best interests of all children and taxpayers.

MARC HARDEN, West Richland