Dean Kunicki deserves a full term on the Ventura County Board of Education, and I urge Simi Valley and Moorpark voters to lend Dean their support in the Nov. 7 election. Since Mr. Kunicki was appointed to the 4th District seat on the county school board, that policy body, and the Ventura County Office of Education that it governs, has made great strides toward being a fantastic value for every school district in the county.

Mr. Kunicki stepped up to complete the term of a vacated position, and he showed leadership to prove he deserves a full four-year term. The county Office of Education can be overlooked, but it saves local school districts considerable money by providing services that districts would have to offer independently, such as comprehensive administrative support, and educational programs for the most challenging students in the county. Also, the VCOE produces the academic decathlon, the Ventura County Science Fair, Mock Trial to offer students legal experience, and Impact 2, celebrating the county's innovative teachers. To do this, the office must carefully balance its budget, and no local official is better at watching finances than Dean Kunicki.

Taxpayer dollars must be spent as wisely as possible, something Mr. Kunicki demands. Additionally, the county board of education is as broadly experienced and cohesive as ever, bringing much to the plate in terms of meeting their goals of serving local school districts and students. Mr. Kunicki has played a great part in this considerable accomplishment. For that alone he deserves our support, but Kunicki also brings to the table conservative financial stewardship, considerable involvement in his community, and, above all, he truly cares about local students and their ability to succeed. Brian Neiens Simi Valley