by Colin McEwen
Reporter
Stow -- Seven people are seeking three available seats on the Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education Nov. 6.
The four-year terms begin Jan. 1, 2008, and the top-three vote-getters will obtain the seats.
The candidates are: John Cannon, Dorne Chadsey, Denny Mariola, Pat Matthews, Karen Powers, Richard E. Spangler and Karen Wright.
Chadsey, 55, is the only incumbent in the race. He said that experience gives him an advantage.
Chadsey said he has been going door to door talking with residents.
"That's the best way to hear concerns -- by asking them what's important," said Chadsey. "We want to continue the excellence in our school system.
The taxpayers want us to run the schools like a business, and our business is educating kids."
He said the Board has an obligation to "continue excellence in the classroom and through fiscal responsibility."
Cannon, 46, said his campaign has consisted of talking with residents.
"I have been in the community for 20 years," he said.
"I've had to work with processes such as contract negotiation, spending and analysis within an organization."
Cannon said he knows many teachers and residents, and his experience working for Allstate Insurance gives him an advantage.
"I have the time, and it's something I'd enjoy doing," he said. Mariola, 60, said he recently retired from Bridgestone-Firestone company after 41 years of service.
Mariola said his last position was as a sales manager, and believes his experience will help him as a Boardmember.
Mariola said he has been talking with residents by going door to door, passing out brochures and posting signs.
"I'm trying to spend as much time in Munroe Falls as I am in Stow," he said, adding he believes the community is "ready for a change" on the Board.
"I think the Board can continue its excellence and look toward tomorrow and find ways where we need to improve."
Matthews, 65, said her experience as a teacher at Holy Family School for 21 years gives her a different perspective.
Matthews said she decided to run after being encouraged by fellow teachers to do so.
"Someone on School Board should have a background in education," she said.
Matthews said she has attended fundraising events such as a Republican Party breakfast and a Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce luncheon to help spread her campaign message.
Powers, 48, said she has volunteered in the schools for 14 years, and that work has given her valuable experience.
"Sometimes I feel that kids are left out of the picture," she said.
"The focus should be on kids and what's best for them." To get her message out, Powers said she is using literature, signs and talking with residents.
"I've been a regular [School Board] meeting attendee for two years," she said. Currently, she serves on the district's finance committee -- a volunteer position she has had since 2002.
Spangler, 69, said he has gone door to door to talk with residents about issues, such as the passage of the levy.
Spangler said he has also spoken during community events.
He said his experience as the store manager of Sears for 32 years has given him the experience of working with others.
Spangler said his friends and neighbors encouraged him to run for the seat.
"The Board is trying to manage schools rather than being a reflection of the community," said Spangler.
"This has been a nice campaign for us -- people aren't pointing fingers."
Wright, 46, said she is running her campaign by word of mouth, using signs and passing out pamphlets.
"Wherever I am, I spread the word," she said. Wright said her degree in business management from the University of Akron would help the district if she is elected.
"I want to keep children first in the upcoming years and make sure that funds are spent more efficiently," said Wright.
"We have to prove to the general public that we can work together in a community effort."
There are five members of school board.
E-mail: cmcewen@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3916