By Until recently, school board elections were about as much fun as a Gray Davis press conference. Usually, there aren't any. Candidates are so few and far between, incumbent board members up for re-election often received a free ride to a second term.

So this time around, it surprised, even infuriated some, when a third candidate surfaced for two open seats on the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees.

Recent high school graduate Kevin Bella filed, prompting Superintendent Marge Gratiot to ask the young man, now attending UC Davis, if he was serious. That set off a brief public outcry about tampering with the election process. And it inspired another candidate, Albert Hill, to enter the race.

Meanwhile, incumbent board member Margot Harrigan and second-time candidate Bill Cooper appear clear favorites - and our favorites - to win the board election.

With good reason. Both have years of experience in district affairs. They have shown sustained commitment to the local schools.

Harrigan’s involvement goes back to 1995. She’s worked on district finance and budget review committees. She chaired a successful parcel tax renewal campaign in 2000.

Harrigan has established herself as a board member who speaks her mind and makes her own decisions. She is enthusiastic about the district and is determined to continue its success despite sharp budget cuts and other distractions.

Bill Cooper, with two sons attending district schools, has the added perspective as a parent directly involved in the school culture of walkathons, science fairs and parent-teacher conferences.

The advertising executive also has done his homework in the two years since he first ran unsuccessfully for the board. He joined the district’s budget review committee and chaired last year’s SOS campaign for Springer School when parents embarked on an emergency fundraising drive. Cooper has shown he is willing to put in the extra time to serve the district.

We encourage residents not to throw away votes on Bella who has since encouraged anyone who will listen not to vote for him. Albert Hill, on the other hand, is a legitimate contender who could bring strong financial and communication skills to the proceedings. His children also have attended Los Altos schools and he is genuinely concerned about them. However, he first needs to pay some dues. We encourage Hill to get involved as Harrigan and Cooper did, serving on budget review and finance committees. Armed with such experience two years from now, we’re confident Hill would make a fine school board contender.

For this Nov. 4 however, Harrigan and Cooper are our clear choices.