On September 10, 2002, voters can make a big difference in their choice of candidates for public office and in an important referendum.

GEO recommends the following choices, in the public interest.

In the three School Board races, there is a clear difference among the candidates over whether to make growth pay its own way for the school facilities required by new growth. While other candidates oppose a school impact fee or refuse to divulge their position, Lisa Glenn, Carl Olson and Kathy Kleinlein support a school impact fee. We urge their election as an alternative to classroom crowding or further tax hikes.

In the Charter Review Board primary, we urge the election of Matthew Fountain and Abe Kozma. Unlike the incumbents they challenge, they offer the hope of a return to a Charter Review Board that favors citizen rights and reforms. Because there is no general election, all voters, including Democrats, Independents and others, can vote in this Republican primary.

In the State Senate primary, we recommend Mark Flanagan. He is an experienced legislator running against a freshman and developer with a record of extreme pro-growth positions (such as prohibiting local governments from regulating building heights). Republicans would be well served to nominate Representative Flanagan.

In the Democratic Congressional primary, we favor Jan Schneider as the far more experienced and knowledgeable candidate in that party.

In Sarasota County Charter amendments, we recommend a vote "No", against the proposal to greatly increase the amount the County may borrow (for such purposes as roads to serve development) without voter approval. $10 million remains a prudent amount beyond which voter approval should be required.

The choices are clear. All voters owe it to ourselves and our community to go to the polls September 10 and help make a difference in our future.