The special election mail-in ballot that's sitting on most Portland-area residents' kitchen counters is due May 20. At our house, we've already scoped out the candidates and issues, and here's where we're coming out:

Measure 26-48: Yes. Whatever you may think about the waste in government, starving it for funds isn't going to make it any more efficient or rational. If you're unhappy, vote yes for the Multnomah County income tax, and then in upcoming elections vote out all the rascals who are currently frittering away our tax dollars. People really are starving and dying out there.

Multnomah County Education Service District: Janice Gratton. One of her opponents, Ron McCarty, has name recognition, but he's also a bit of a hack.

Portland School Board (all run at large but must live in different districts):

Zone 1: Douglas Morgan. Wisest candidate of the bunch.

Zone 2: David Wynde. Best of the lot.

Zone 3: John Ball. Bobbie Regan would be the second choice, but the activist mom set already has a voice on the board, and it hasn't done us much good so far. Ball has all kinds of government experience, and I mean that in a good way.

Zone 7: Dilafruz Williams. All the smart observers agree.

Or better yet, don't take my word for it. Do a little research and decide for yourself.