The purpose of this letter is to express the sincere gratitude I have for those members of the community who supported my bid for reelection to the board of the Kelseyville Unified School District and to restate my qualifications.

Thank you to the many who have endorsed my candidacy. Thank you to those who have contributed to my campaign. Thank you to those who have placed signs on your properties. Thank you to those who have spread the word and written letters to the editor. Thank you to those who have already voted for me. Without all of you we would not have come this far.

There are so many great things happening in our schools and community. Anyone who has attended a Kelseyville High School graduation ceremony has heard of the successes of our graduates and the numerous scholarships and awards they have earned.

My family and I have resided in Kelseyville for the past 35 years. I am familiar with the culture and challenges of living and working in a rural community. I think that this is an important attribute for a board member.

I have been a school board member for the past 21 years and served as board chair for 15 years. Each time I was elected to serve as chair by my fellow board members it was by unanimous vote, they have confidence in my leadership.

During the past four years I haven’t missed a single regularly scheduled board meeting. I don’t think I’ve missed a single special meeting either. Over the past 21 years I’ve only missed two regularly scheduled meetings. The well-being of Kelseyville Unified School District is a top priority.

I have the endorsement of all the school board members who still reside in Lake County from the past 25 years that I could remember. I have the endorsement of the majority of the current board members and many, many members of the public, business and education community.

You can see a complete list at rickwiner4kvusd.com as well as the recent candidate’s forum, letters to the editor and images captured at the school sites and around the community.

I believe that our Kelseyville Unified School District motto, “Where Students Come First,” has been my compass for decisions that I have made over the past 21 years. I hope you will agree that I am the most qualified for the position of board member.

For those who haven’t yet voted, I hope you will please mark my name on the ballot and return it as soon as possible by mail or in person. There is much more to be accomplished and I look forward to continuing my work.

Rick Winer lives in Kelseyville, California.