Democracy demands participation
The Nov. 6 election is less than four months away, and on Monday the filing period opened for local school board and city council candidates. While the race for the U.S. presidency has become a long, drawn-out affair, elections locally have taken on much saner proportions.

In Agoura Hills, City Councilmembers Dan Kuperberg and John Edelston announced their interest in running for reelection, but whether or not the two incumbents will face any competitors remains to be seen.

Kuperberg has served on the council for three terms and 12 consecutive years; Edelston is completing his first term and appears ready for a sophomore stint. As of yesterday, however, they were the only candidates who had pulled filing papers indicating their intent to enter the race. We hope others will join the fray. An election without challengers is like a sporting event in which only the home team shows up.

The Westlake Village City Council race promises to introduce new blood. Incumbent Jim Bruno announced earlier that he would not seek reelection, but newcomer Carol Kirschbaum announced her intention to run. Two years ago Westlake Village called off its City Council election because incumbents Sue McSweeney, Mark Rutherford and Bob Slavin had no challengers. It was not one of the city's finer moments. The trio got a free pass to another four years in office.

Important issues regarding funding, technology and declining enrollment have generated interest in the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education race. Two seats are open, but incumbent Pat Schulz has bowed out. The challenge will come from new candidate Jill Gaines, a Calabasas resident. Incumbent Terilyn Finders announced she will run again.

City councils and school boards are where local government begins, and more competition usually leads to better leadership. If you're considering running for office you have until Aug. 10 to file your papers. Try to become involved in local affairs, if not as an elected official, perhaps as a volunteer for a city commission or a school committee. Democracy demands participation.