For voters in Marin and throughout the U.S., this fall's Nov. 6 election has a ton of importance. But while supporters of President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney see this election's as a blockbuster for good reason, there aren't a plethora of local races, with no or board of trustees seats up for election.
But as the filing period opens today, July 16, there's plenty to chew on locally and regionally. For one, there's the school district parcel tax election, as well as the race to fill the big shoes of the retiring Rep. Lynn Woolsey and represent Marin and much of the North Bay in the 2nd District in U.S. Congress.
Over the next few weeks, we'll let you know as candidates file papers - the filing period ends Aug. 10.
Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near. Bookmark this page for updates.
Mill Valley School District Parcel Tax: Faced with ongoing state budget cuts, booming enrollment and stagnant property tax revenue, the Mill Valley School District is facing a sizable budget deficit that is projected to worsen over the next three years. In an effort to avoid teacher layoffs and an increase to the teacher-student ratio, the district is seeking a new $196 parcel tax in addition to the current $731 tax.
The tax is on the Nov. 6 docket as a ballot measure, and requires two-thirds approval to pass. A group called Protect Mill Valley Schools has formed to advocate for the parcel tax. Click the above link for our coverage of the parcel tax and the district's budget issues over the past 18 months, and check back often for updates.
2nd Congressional District: Democratic state Assemblyman Jared Huffman and Republican investment exec Dan Roberts, a Tiburon resident, are set to square off for the right to succeed the and represent Marin and much of the North Bay in Congress.
10th state Assembly District: San Rafael City Council member and state Assemblyman and new San Rafael resident were the two top vote getters in the June 5 open primary.
Strawberry Recreation District - The five-member board that manages the district's recreation community center, athletic facilities and parks has three seats open this fall, including two long-term seats and one short-term spot.
Marin Healthcare District - Two seats for the board that oversees the nonprofit entity that owns Marin General Hospital are up for election in the fall.
Marin Municipal Water District - Though Mill Valley's primary representative on the MMWD board, in November 2011, two more seats are open this fall, including that of District 5, which includes Strawberry. Larry Russell represents District 5, which also includes parts of Larkspur and Corte Madera, Tiburon, Belvedere, Sausalito and Marin City. The seat for District 2, which is currently represented by Armando Quintero and includes much of San Rafael, is also up for election in the fall.
