DOWNEY - Candidates Larry Aceves and Tom Torlakson sharpened their pencils Wednesday evening at a forum to discuss critical issues affecting preschool through 12th grade education.

The purpose of the forum at the Los Angeles County Offices of Education was to help voters learn about the positions and perspectives of the two candidates for the statewide, nonpartisan post of superintendent of public instruction in the Nov. 2 general election.

The current state superintendent is Jack O'Connell, who is not running for re-election.

"The future of California, the state education system will be shaped by those who we elect on Nov. 2," said Scott Svonkin of the Los Angeles County School Trustee Association, part of a panel who questioned the candidates.

Aceves, who prefaced his opening statement by saying he is an educator and not a politician, has taught in