For Cary District 26: Carrick, Larry, Coffey

The threat of a state financial takeover has loomed in Cary Elementary District 26, where four candidates are seeking three board seats. The revolving door of board members in recent years highlights the challenges of rectifying years of mismanagement. There are signs of a turnaround, however, to the credit of the current board. Its bond request in November won favor of voters, and the board recently passed its first balanced budget in nine years. Continuity is key, and for this reason, we endorse board members Kevin Carrick, Jason Larry and Scott Coffey. All were appointed within the past two years, but each has contributed to stabilization. Carrick insists that current teacher negotiations become a turning point. Larry has shown he is unafraid to make tough decisions. As a business owner and CPA, Coffey adds financial know-how. Challenger Joseph Alfe offers a strong voice for change, but this relatively new board deserves high marks for the changes it is making already.