When a city is in great shape -- boasting the lowest crime rates in the county, some of the highest property values, massive swaths of open space and a large municipal reserve -- there's no need to fire its leaders.

That's why Poway voters should re-elect Councilman Don Higginson and Councilwoman Betty Rexford on Nov. 7.

Higginson has been on the City Council since 1986 and Rexford since 1994. With their colleagues, the two have guided the city through a period of significant regional growth while preserving Poway's country charm.

Poway has set aside half its land as open space while also making room for a successful business park along its southern border. The city has used redevelopment to start revitalizing Poway Road and is setting the standard for affordable housing projects. The council also has been successful in blocking regional road projects from ripping through the city -- specifically, a planned extension of Highway 125 from Santee through the heart of Poway.

In the last few years, Poway built a city hall, skateboard park, fire station and softball complex and solidified plans to bring a fine arts center to Old Poway Park. And the city still has a healthy reserve.

There are three challengers in the race -- Connie Messina, Joe St. Lucas and David Knopp. Messina and St. Lucas are running on a slate with mayoral candidate and combative city gadfly Ed Carboneau -- which doesn't exactly help their cause (we strongly suggest re-electing current Mayor Mickey Cafagna).

One of the trio's central complaints is that the current council has concentrated its affordable housing projects in South Poway. We understand the concern but don't see where else in the city affordable housing projects could be built, considering that the complexes need to be located near commercial centers and not in the rural areas of the city far from grocery stores and public transportation.

Knopp is a former city parks and recreation employee. He appears level-headed, but his qualifications aren't enough reason to oust Higginson and Rexford.

Continue the City in the Country's success and re-elect Don Higginson and Betty Rexford.