Letter to the Editor

Campaigns are expensive, time consuming, and stressful, but they don’t need to divide communities. Unfortunately, even expressly non-political campaigns are currently being pushed toward issues that seemingly need to be labeled with R’s and D’s. Conversations, digital or analog, too often spiral into doomsday scenarios – painting pictures full of fear for our future. Overall, I wish individuals could run for elected position without being painted as an “invading force” bent on conquest and revolution. Such is the challenge facing Les Moscoso as he runs for Cashmere School Board. Les and his family have been knocking on doors introducing themselves, and more importantly, listening and learning from community members. Les understands that the strength of our community and schools rest within the stories of its families. Les’s character and values align word for word with the school district’s stated core values. He is a father and active community member with the energy and commitment to help our Cashmere Schools continue their tradition of success. Yet, his mere candidacy versus an incumbent has resulted in him being labeled as a radical invader to be feared. This is a deeply unfortunate assumption, and a sad situation. I support Les Moscoso for Cashmere School Board, not for any specific agenda, but because I know he will put in the time and effort necessary to be an informed member of a strong team that will continue to put the students’ needs first.