The panel posed several tough questions to the candidates. What would they look for in the next school superintendent? [My suggestion is that it should be someone not on the fast track to more power or money. God forbid, we should find a superintendent that wants to stick around more than a year!]

Why wasn't the Wilson Cluster community included in the discussion about what to do about overcrowding at nearby Lincoln High School?

Why the focus on K-8 mega-schools, while high performing smaller schools like George Smith and Mary Rieke are closed or threatened?

Why did the Portland School Board repeatedly deny the Southwest Charter School's application, only to have it accepted by the State Board of Education?

While neither candidate had any pat answers, Ruth Adkins particularly impressed me. As expected, she came across with a smooth delivery and thoughtful answers. But most surprising was how good-hearted and optimistic she was!

I was so impressed by this woman, that I asked her afterward if she was planning to run for Congress after she won the School Board seat. "No, this is a dead-end job. I have my three children to take care of and that’s plenty for me," said Adkins.

Too bad for the rest of us! If Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton herself were running for school board against Adkins, I'd vote for Ruth Adkins every day of the week and twice on Sunday!

Doug Morgan, a much more conservative opponent, gave dutiful answers to questions and at times often sounded apologetic for his board's performance the past four years. Well Doug, I think it's time for fresh blood. Vote for Ruth Adkins for Portland School Board on May 15.