BLOG: Get Out The Vote

Few things are more important to us as Americans as the right to vote and with the election just over two weeks away, now is the time to exercise that valuable privilege.

Those who know me know that I’ve long been an advocate of supporting and being involved in our local government. While the big focus right now is on the presidential election, it’s truly your local elected officials that can make a big impact in your life.

As a Realtor, this is especially important as it relates to property values. Two main factors in high home values are safe, desirable communities and excellent schools. That is why having good leadership both within your city and your school district is so important. Those two entities are responsible for making decisions that will indirectly affect the value of your home.

Your locally elected officials are also “accessible” to you. Your chances of meeting with the president are slim to none, but if you have questions, concerns, or issues, you can make an appointment with your City Council member and share those concerns personally.

Making a good decision can be a little daunting when you don’t know the candidates but luckily there is help. The local papers, including The Patch, have all been interviewing the local candidates, and that information is readily available on-line.

I’m proud to support Sam Allevato and Ginny Kerr for San Juan Capistrano City Council as I believe their leadership and experience will bring balance and sound decision making to our city. For school board, I am endorsing Amy Hanaceck in Trustee Area 1, Carol McCormick for Trustees Area 2, John Alpay for Trustee Area 3, and Dr. Gary Pritchard for Trustee Area 5.  I know all of these candidates personally and have great confidence in their ability to lead our community.

To learn more about the candidates and the issues plan to attend  at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center starting at 6 pm for the candidates running for Capistrano Unified School District. This is the first time that voters will vote only for the trustee in their area but the forum will include the candidates running in all four trustee areas.

Then another debate will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 29, 2012 at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center for the candidates running for city council. Both forums are great opportunities to hear the candidates firsthand and learn more about the issues.

Just be sure to do your homework and get out and vote!