Election 2008 Kickoff

Oh no. Two thousand and eight. It’s divisible by four, which means the nation’s collective attention is focused on the presidential election. It’s an important one, of course, and, to say the least, it’s been entertaining so far. But The Independent would like to remind readers that 2008 is an important year for the fate of Santa Barbara County as well.

In this, the first of its three-part coverage on the various electoral goings-on, The Indy‘s staff explores the Congressional race between Lois Capps and Matt Kokkonen, the Carpinteria City Council showdown, a tax measure that could benefit the economically bereft Santa Barbara School District, what North County residents will be voting on, and the largely ignored telecommunication tax-related Measure G.

That’s right-there will be no mention of Barack Obama or a certain governor from Alaska. But what is mentioned represents just some of the most critical issues facing the county. So in the weeks to come leading up to November 4, you can expect more comprehensive coverage of the candidates and campaigns most important to the future of the South Coast, including additional articles that will only appear at independent.com/election2008. With absentee ballots being mailed on October 6 and voter registration ending on October 20, we’re already in the heart of election season, so read on, learn, and consider how Election Day 2008 will change Santa Barbara County.