Sunday, January 30, 2011

Write-in candidate for the School Board and the World Language Initiative in the Wauwatosa School District.

I just found that a group of parents in our school district are trying to get a write-in candidate in the upcoming School Board Elections (the deadline to submit candidates has passed), to have the new School Board Member, if elected, help overturn the recently approved World Language Initiative (see the link below for more information).

(You will need to copy and paste the links to your browser)

http://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/worldlanguageiniative.cfm

This "write-in" candidate may be a wonderful, well-intentioned person. However, I have some concerns:

1) What happens if this person goes in and still the decision is not overturned? If the sole motivator for this individual to run for one of the seats coming up for election is to overturn this decision, would the motivation diminish and loose steam if his/her plans and the plans of this group of parents does not come to fruition?

2) How capable is this person going to be to represent the District on ALL issues that will come before him/her? Again, to run for such position with one purpose in mind...then, if in the future this School Board member does not vote favorably (according to the citizens) on some other "hot topic", will there be another "witch hunt" to unseat this person?

3) Is this person going to be able to deal with all the issues objectively, of her own accord, or is he/she going to be "manipulated" by some behind-the-scenes "grassroots" group?

The Group trying to do this has a Facebook page, "Save Tosa School Libraries"; it is now an open group (see the link below).

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_192629354085396

Just something to think about... This is something ALL citizens in our District able to vote should consider.

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to comment.

2 comments:

Michelle said...

Hello,

I just Googled Wauwatosa School Board Election while I was gathering information, and you were the 8th link on the first page! Way to be on the first page of a Google search! You may recognize me from Church (Sunday School)

As the very write-in candidate that you're blogging about. I will answer your questions.

1. I could never run for an elected position for one sole purpose. It is just not in my personality. I care way too much about the education of my children (and the education of others) to let one issue be the only reason for running for school board. Even though the World Language Initiative is the large motivator, it is not my only motivation. If the World Language Initiative moves ahead "as written" then so-be-it. I will have done all that I can, to help find alternative funding sources. The seat is held for a three year term, and if elected I plan to be fully involved during those three years.

2-3. If elected by the citizens of Wauwatosa, I will answer to them. Every single one of the roughly 45,000 citizens. It is one of the many jobs as an elected official to listen to the concerns of it's citizens. Now, will I agree with them all the time? No. Will they vote me out of office if they become dissatisfied? It's a possibility. I am willing to take the risk.

Please, I hope that you join the Facebook Group that was formed, I personally would love to hear your opinions, and I'm so glad that you stepped forward during the School Board Meeting to show your support for the program. And, if you'd like to add me, I'm on Facebook as well.

La Jibara said...

Michelle,

Yes, I recognize you from Sunday school. Thank you for your comments.

As a matter of fact, the "Save Tosa Schools Librarians" page also mentions that there may be more than one write-in candidate. So my post was mostly generalized.

In any case, it is comforting to know your stance on the concerns I presented. After all, it must not the first time a candidate runs with a motivator behind him/her. It is just, in my opinion, not the ideal situation.

I would be glad to see your FB group and provide my opinion on issues. If you do become a Board member, know that I am always involved and willing to provide feedback, whether I agree with the Board's decisions or not.

Have a great day!

Sandra.