Dr. Richard Rutkowski

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It's hard to ignore the lead-up to the November election. Of course, we'll be voting for president, vice president, senator, congressman, sheriff, mayor and council, school board and multiple ballot initiatives which propose to change our laws or Arizona Constitution.

The ballot is long. We see/hear/read yard signs, ads on TV, radio, social media, in our mailboxes and robocalls. Some are positive. Some are negative. Some are just blatantly false. Do you rely on these snippets of "information" before voting or do you try to do more?

Do you consider a candidate's past voting record or public statements? Can they actually do what they promise? Is the candidate creating a new persona just to gain votes? Do their words sound good but say nothing meaningful? Seeking answers to these questions is our civic obligation as responsible voters. 

As with any ballot issue, it's important to understand it and vote based upon that understanding. Proposition descriptions have a word limit and often don't fully explain what would be preserved or changed in law or the Arizona Constitution.  The full language may be several pages long and contain "legalese," but please still make the effort to review it as well as the arguments for and against.   

Lastly, I am a candidate for the Fountain Hills School Board. I support preparing students for a purposeful life with high-quality education. I support protecting parental rights and promoting active participation in their children’s education. I support teaching students critical thinking – how to think, not what to think.

For more information, please visit richardrutkowski.us. I would be honored by your support and your vote. Whether you're looking forward to the election or dreading it, it is our obligation to be informed voters, to express our opinions and to exercise our rights. Let’s do that!

Dr. Richard Rutkowski is running for the Fountain Hills Unified School District Governing Board. The Times Independent offers candidates the opportunity to submit one letter during the election. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.