Local candidates prepare for school board and city council elections

Various local elections are approaching in Goleta, California, and Bangor, Maine, involving school boards and city councils.

In Goleta, three candidates are running unopposed for the Goleta Union School District Board of Education. During a recent webinar, candidates Eric Bowers, Ethan Bertrand, and Emily Zacarias discussed issues including declining enrollment, staff vacancies, and protocols regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on school campuses. Additionally, the Goleta City Council District 2 seat will be contested by incumbent James Kyriaco and business owner Phebe Mansur.

In Bangor, three candidates—including Jamie Beck—are running unopposed for seats on the Bangor School Committee. The candidates face decisions regarding aging school facilities and potential district reorganization or consolidation.