By Pepper Fisher

PORT ANGELES – There are three seats up for grabs for the Port Angeles School Board of Directors and, until recently, three candidates running unopposed to fill them.

That changed this week when we learned that someone has launched a write-in campaign for Director Position No. 3. The name you’ll see on the ballot in November is Stan Williams, a retired heavy equipment mechanic in the Port Angeles area since moving here in the 80s. Williams is a traditionalist, who feels our education system is moving in the wrong direction.

“The basic education should be to teach him how to survive in the world instead of not even being able to count change. When you’re going to a market, they can’t even do that without a computer. And we need to get back to having a basic education for children, and quit indoctrinating them. And we need to get back to basics.”

Throwing his hat in the ring as a write-in candidate is Chris Noble, a professor and actuarial consultant. We asked Noble why, out of the three candidates running unopposed, he chose to run against Williams. He said he thinks his positions differ the most from those of Williams, that that would set him apart, and would give voters a better reason to write in their vote.

Noble said, unlike Williams, he thinks the School District is moving in the right direction.

“Really, I’m joining the race to be on the school board because I want to see that the directors that are elected are capable of doing the job that they are asked to do. And I think my background, both in business and education, provide me with a solid foundation for jumping right in and helping the school board move forward in a fiscally responsible manner, consistent with the existing policies.”

You can read more about Stan Williams in your voter’s pamphlet, and Chris Noble has a Facebook page that further explains his positions and qualifications at Write In Chris Noble For PASD #3.