A Trip on the Trolley

Let’s pay a little visit to Mr. Rogers this morning as he talks with the children about political campaigns.

“Let’s pretend that they’re almost ready to have the Board of Education election in the Neighborhood of Make Believe...” (Can you hear the Trolley?)

Yes, let’s pretend.

Let’s pretend that I have decided that I want to be on the board of education. I mean, why not? My blog has always had a strong education focus. I’ve done some of that PTA, PTACHC and supporting school events stuff, arts education advocacy. I know all the major issues and I’m acquainted with all the major players.

Look! I even have priorities: Equity and inclusion
                                               Special Education
                                               Arts Education
                                               Support for LGBTQ students

So, it’s October 20th and early voting is soon and I’d like you to write my name in on the ballot for BOE. I mean, we’re friends, right? I have pretty good local name recognition and I’ve been open with my opinions on social media. And- - shocker! - - apparently the law will allow you to just write me in.

What’s that? You don’t think that’s exactly fair? I didn’t win a spot in the Primary? I didn’t have to go through weeks and weeks of Candidate Forums where people could hear me articulate my qualifications and educational philosophy and ask me questions?

But, gosh. I want to be on the Board of Ed and a last minute move like this might actually get me some media coverage. I might even have an impact on the outcome of the race. Hmm...I wonder if there’s anybody I could manage to knock out of contention...

Okay folks, we’re going back to reality now. We are going to leave the Land of Make Believe behind.

If you would have some serious questions if I decided to pull a last-minute stunt like this then I think you’re on the right track. The BOE is not for folks who want to circumvent the transparency of a public campaign. Imagine how that kind of behavior would look if that person were elected.

“Accepting the boundaries of the process is for others, not for me.”

Oh my goodness. We once had a Superintendent who operated like that and we are still recovering.

You have eight candidates who moved on from the primary and you’ve had many opportunities to learn what they are about. I feel confident that these eight give you enough of a choice to make your decision.