MONEY TALKS

I’ve always thought that what’s not being taught in the schools but should is personal finance. There are many creative ways in which students of all ages can take a hands-on approach.

Starting from the first grade, students should be taught the value of saving money. As students grow older they should learn about the stock market, T-Bills, retirement plans (especially Roth IRA’s), no load mutual funds, CD’s, diversification, dollar cost averaging, compound interest, and other financial instruments and options. Becoming their OWN financial adviser, learning these things(and practicing them)may be (literally) the most valuablesubjectstudents could learn. Imagine the financial shape Americans would be in today if personal finance studies were required in every grade. -Andy Weis | Monterey

SWEET ON LOU

Supervisor Lou Calcagno has been a strong supporter of the Castroville Leadership Summer Youth Program this past year. We spearheaded two major projects that will positively impact our community, fundraising for a much needed high school stadium scoreboard and a brand new sports venue in Castroville. I strongly support Supervisor Calcagno and look forward to working closely with him to help make these projects happen. -Araceli Cuentas, President, North County-Teen Leadership Council | Castroville

LIKING LAIRD

As a college student at CSUMB, I call on young voters to pay attention to the month of June. There’s voting galore – first, on June 8th, the primaries for each respective political party take place. But pay heed, there’s an important special election happening on June 22nd.

Now that Abel Maldonado’s State Senate seat is vacant, we have a very promising Democratic candidate to fill it – the one and only John Laird, a strong proponent of prioritizing public education. By electing John, who has a long history in public service, we can expect a more affordable college education without furlough days. Imagine that!

John is a strong proponent for protecting the environment. John’s opponent, Republican Sam Blakeslee, tried to open our coastline to new offshore drilling last year. John fought against offshore drilling when he was on the Santa Cruz city council and during his time in the state assembly and will continue to protect our pristine Monterey Bay Coast.

During his time in the State Assembly, John chaired the budget committee. He’s the one candidate who can break the Sacramento stalemate.

If you’re a college student perpetually moving around, I encourage you to register to vote in Senate District 15 by the June 8th deadline so you can partake in one of the most important races happening in the state.

On June 22nd, vote for John Laird. -Eileen Lewis, President, CSUMB College Democrats | Seaside