Just a glance at the massive ballot for those running for the brand new Livingston Manor-Roscoe school board shows not only that the parents and residents of those communities care deeply about the future of their students, but that they have the skills and experience to back it all up. 

Over the past couple weeks, the Sullivan County Democrat received the biographies and resumes of 15 of the 19 who are running, and we can wholeheartedly say that each and every person who threw their hat in the ring for one of the seven seats is competent, ready and really invested in their hometown. 

We see the potential on display. With a myriad of backgrounds running for the board, which include but are not limited to previous school boards, fire service, the U.S. Armed Forces, health care work, alum of both Roscoe and Manor and, of course, parenthood, each candidate is a no-brainer. Unfortunately, the list has to be whittled down to just seven. 

With that being said, we highly encourage all eligible voters to make a plan to cast their ballot on February 13 at the Livingston Manor school from Noon to 8 p.m. – let your own voice be heard! 

The first generation for this new school district’s leadership is vital to its future identity, as the seven elected board members will be immediately responsible for a number of important decisions, including the district’s mascot, colors and most notably, its official name. 

It will be extremely interesting to see what decisions the new board will make, and we won’t know until it’s all said and done... the excitement is palpable, for certain.

Looking towards the 13th, we wish all candidates good luck! Be sure to carry on the combined, yet still virtuously proud, spirits of the Roscoe Blue Devils and the Livingston Manor Wildcats – as even though it is the dawn of a new era with a world of opportunities, there is a lifetime of memories and experience to guide your choices.

That makes cents

Last Tuesday’s editorial on eliminating the penny certainly got some quick reponse. It seems President Donald Trump took to social media and said he has ordered the U.S. Mint to stop making pennies.

Of course, we did lament the fact that it costs more than 3 cents to mint a penny.

Unfortunately, nickels are even a bigger loser, costing nearly 14 cents to make and distribute. What next?