Get ready for a busy local election season. Depending on where they live, voters in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View could be deciding among more than 30 candidates. In addition, there are five measures on the Nov. 6 ballot that involve the three communities.

The Town Crier plans to cover each of the pertinent races as Election Day draws near. Here’s what you can expect:

When I joined the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees in 2014, the district and Bullis Charter School had just finalized a five-year agreement to set aside our differences and work toward a mutually beneficial, long-term school facilities solution. Today, we are finally on the cusp of executing that vision. With continued collaboration and transparency, I believe Bullis Charter School and the district can agree on a plan that benefits all local students.

Collaboration

In recent years, our community was relieved that Bullis Charter School and the district chose collaboration instead of lawsuits. With collaboration, the charter school and district schools and students thrived. Together, we passed a bond measure to resolve our school facilities challenges and a parcel tax to support educational programs for all of our students.

Since relocating to the Bay Area a year ago to serve as CEO of El Camino Hospital, I have come to really enjoy Northern California and exploring the outdoors, golfing and hiking along the coast and in the mountains. I also have had the opportunity to meet many of our local residents in Los Altos, Mountain View and Sunnyvale through community and civic events. It has been a privilege to see and hear firsthand how El Camino Hospital’s commitment to the community’s health has made an impact, and in some cases how we can keep improving.

We have two hospitals, as well as many outpatient services like the Cancer Center, where we see and treat patients, but El Camino Hospital is more than our facilities. Many of our employees were born and raised here, and they dedicate their livelihood to supporting the health and well-being of neighbors like you.

Measure C not the way to protect parks

Having worked in local government for 35 years, I can honestly say Measure C is a terrible piece of legislation. Parks and open space should be protected, but this is not the way to do it.

Measure C shows a serious lack of understanding of how cities work and generate money for desired city programs and facilities.

At the sound of a text at 4 a.m., I jumped out of bed ready to run out the door. I’d only gotten five hours of sleep, but this was one event I refused to be late for.

As superintendent of the Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District, I sometimes struggle with difficult decisions. I consider all perspectives and opposing views, and seeking fair solutions on tough calls can keep me up at night. You have undoubtedly heard that the MVLA Board of Trustees is considering the installation of stadium lights at Mountain View and Los Altos high schools. The stadium lights discussion is one of those tough calls.