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The message is sinking in: Years of generous pay raises for county government workers, including those in the school system, are unsustainable.

Top school leaders in recent days have been quietly talking about the need to head back to the bargaining table to try to scale back increases negotiated in the last round of union contract talks. That necessary approach to help close a projected budget shortfall, while maintaining quality services, takes on added significance as a pivotal election nears. Spending cutbacks are inevitable and visionary leaders will have to make unpopular choices.

On the Montgomery school board, two of seven seats are in play this fall.

At-large member Sharon W. Cox announced more than a year ago that she would not seek another term. Two men who have run for the board before, Phil Kauffman and Tommy Le, are facing off.

In District 2, a southwest-central area that includes Rockville and Potomac, incumbent Stephen N. Abrams is being challenged by Laura V. Berthiaume, a relative newcomer. Both hold law degrees and are from Rockville.

Christopher S. Barclay, whose Fourth District covers Silver Spring and Takoma Park, is unopposed for another term.

Kauffman, a federal attorney who lives in Olney, is the strongest candidate in the at-large race. His jovial, low-key approach and analytical skills will be put to the test. He will bring a practical decision-making approach and shows no reluctance to grapple with granular issues, such as curriculum reforms, or broader topics such as improving middle school performance. His wife is a county school teacher, affording a welcome perspective. In last winter's primary, Kauffman finished first with one-third of the vote.

Le finished a strong second in the primary, and considers himself an atypical candidate — "I am not a politician," he said in a meeting with Gazette editorial board members — but his grasp of the complexity of running the state's largest school system is not as solid as Kauffman's.

For the District 2 seat, experience gives Abrams an edge over Berthiaume. While his astringent style can be offensive to some, Abrams has absorbed much in three terms on the board and isn't reluctant to mix it up on touchy issues, such as changing school transfer policies, or taking on a powerful superintendent. His effectiveness could benefit from a softer, less dismissive approach to some groups and factions.

In addition to making wrenching budget choices, this board has another vital task — begin the groundwork for a search for a new superintendent, as it is widely presumed that Jerry Weast won't seek a new contract.

Kauffman's freshness, and Abram's experience, will complement the five other board members in staring down the most formidable challenges in years.

Polls are pointing to a record, or near-record turnout in most states on Nov. 4, with the presidential race the major draw. Montgomery voters also have two county questions to consider, and one should not be overlooked.

Question "B" is a measure to change the county's charter and require that all nine members of the County Council approve raising property taxes above an existing cap. Current rules allow seven of the nine, a so-called supermajority, to override the limit.

Voters should oppose Question "B," which could severely handcuff the council's ability to compromise on budget matters. In essence, a single member of the council gains too much sway over big decisions. The supermajority clause has been effective.

The other question, "A," would clean up "legally ineffective" provisions in the county charter governing waste disposal in residential zones and phone services offered by C&P Telephone. It deserves support.

A final reminder: The Oct. 14 voter registration deadline is fast approaching.