Local candidate on the move





Voters go to the polls next month to decide a number of races, including who the Democratic candidate will be in the November election against Republican Elton Gallegly of the 24th Congressional District.

The June 8 primary pits three candidates—Marie Panec, Tim Allison and Shawn Stern—in a battle of similar ideologies, but not experiences. The Acorn
believes Oak Park’s Marie Panec is best qualified and best positioned to give Gallegly a serious run.

When local leaders aspire to higher office—Agoura’s Fran Pavley is a good example—support by the home town seems a given. But Panec is not just any hometown favorite. Recent endorsements by state Assemblywoman Julia Brownley and former Sen. Sheila Kuehl indicate a growing belief among Democrats that Panec’s leadership experience and knowledge of the issues will make her a viable party force come November.

Panec already has proven to be an effective leader on the Oak Park School Board. She’s been instrumental in figuring out ways to provide quality education even in the face of falling budgets and has earned wide endorsements from the county’s educational community. Her understanding of the issues facing children and classrooms would be a welcome change in our nation’s capital.

As a professor of biology at Moorpark College, Dr. Panec puts her educational skills to work daily. She understands the need for environmental sustainability and the importance of developing jobs in the field of biotechnology.

“Growth in science and technology fuels job creation and is responsible for the development of completely new industries,” Panec says. “We need to stop wringing our hands and start reinvigorating our schools and investing in our economic future.”

As Gallegly’s margin of victory in the 24th District dwindles with each election—the voter demographic appears to be shifting—Panec sees a golden opportunity in the June 8 primary. Of the three candidates, she seems to be in the best position to give the longtime incumbent a run for his money.

We urge Democrats to make Panec their choice.


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