The Stafford Education Association has endorsed three candidates for the county Board of Supervisors and one School Board candidate.
The SEA's political action committee endorsed two Republican supervisors--incumbent Cord Sterling, who represents the Rock Hill District, and George Washington District candidate Robert Thomas.
Sterling is being challenged by independent Dean Fetterolf. Thomas is running against Democrat Charles Latimer for the seat being vacated by Harry Crisp, a Democrat.
The SEA endorsed Independent Jack Cavalier, who is in a three-way race for the Griffis-Widewater Board of Supervisors seat being vacated by Bob Woodson, a Democrat. Cavalier held that seat for eight years before Woodson defeated him in 2007.
Democrat Fred Sweat and Republican Keith Angle also are seeking the Griffis-Widewater seat.
The SEA didn't endorse anyone in the Rock Hill District School Board race between incumbent Patricia Healy and Heather Stefl. Tammy Burton, the SEA political action committee chairwoman, wouldn't say why they didn't recommend either candidate.
The group didn't endorse Griffis-Widewater School Board member Dana Reinboldt, who is running unopposed, because she didn't return its questionnaire, Burton said.
The SEA did endorse George Washington District School Board candidate Dewayne McOsker. He's running against Byron Hinton for the seat being vacated by Patricia Mancini.
The SEA political action committee interviewed candidates who filled out its questionnaire. Endorsements were based on a history of supporting Stafford schools and the ability to collaborate with the School Board or Board of Supervisors.
"I felt everybody we interviewed, whether we endorsed them or not, came prepared," said Burton, a music teacher at Park Ridge Elementary School. "Most of them were extremely knowledgeable of the workings of the school system."
Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Email: jbranscome@freelancestar.com