Merrell launches write-in campaign

A third aspirant has entered the race for Position 4 on the Sisters School Board. Carla Merrell has come forward as a "write-in" candidate vying for the seat against long-term board member Jeff Smith and first-time challenger Mark Yinger.

Merrell has been a resident of Sisters since 1994. Her children are all graduates of Sisters High School. Shortly after she arrived in Sisters in 1994, she became a member of the screening committee that evaluated applicants who were applying for the vice principalship of the high school.

According to Merrell she chose Position 4 for her "write-in" candidacy because the Position 2 incumbent has only been serving for a short period of time and the Position 3 challenging candidate is Christine Jones, whose first name starts with the letter C, as does Merrell's.

"I don't want to cause any unnecessary confusion, and I want to win, so that's not a good place to run," said Merrell.

The Position 4 incumbent Jeff Smith has served for eight years.

"I'm really glad that he's taking up the task to serve; however, I think it's time for a fresh perspective," Merrell said. "That seemed the most logical place for me to serve."

Merrell told The Nugget that the decision to run is "something that has been on my mind since 1994, and I want to help shape policies that will result in excellent educational possibilities for all of the students in the Sisters School District."

The firing of Kris Helphinstine influenced her decision to run.

"When this last thing happened in our school district and so many people in our community were involved, my thoughts go to how could this have been handled in a better way to not make so many people so frustrated. Since I'm focused on people and processes, I can do that very well, and I have a lot to offer," she said.

When asked why she did not make the decision to run for the position before the filing deadline on March 15, especially in light of the fact that she previously stated that she has carried the interest since 1994, Merrell told The Nugget: "It's just that the decision came after the ballot (sic) deadline was over ... and that's unfortunate for me, but that's just how it is."

When asked if she has specific concerns about what is currently happening in the district, Merrell responded that she has none in particular.

"My focus is on people, and I believe that's what public service is all about. It's all about people," she said.

Merrell attended one school board meeting in early April. Other than that session, she remarked that she has not attended board meetings during this school year or during past years. In her opinion attendance at such meetings is important when one is in a position to be a decision maker.

Merrell sums up the essence of her candidacy very simply, stating that she has no agendas whether on the surface or hidden.

"It's just my time to run," she said.