Dear George;

It was very apparent from the initial forum held at Jack Jouett Middle School on September 17, 2003, that the four candidates who elected to complete the Coalition for Responsible School Boards questionnaire were much more knowledgeable and conversant with issues germane to Albemarle County and the educational issues for the state and this region that were posed by the panel.

I intend to vote or convince my friends to vote for School Board candidates Sue Friedman, Steve Koleszar, Louise Ward and Brian Wheeler.

I’m convinced that preparation and research to answer the questionnaire were extremely helpful in their framing and addressing the issues. They did an excellent job. I also found that to be the case when I successfully ran for the Albemarle School Board in 1995.

These four candidates did their homework and it showed! The citizens of Albemarle County should expect preparation from all persons who aspire to occupy positions in governance.

They get my vote and support.

John E. Baker (electronic mail, October 10, 2003)