From Charles Wellington

Monroe

To the Editor:

I have voted in many school board elections over the years. Normally, they boil down to choosing from a slate in which all candidates have roughly similar qualifications. So, what is different this year? It would seem that one group of three is trying to make a political statement. Angered by some of the mask protocols of last year, they are out to make a point. Reading some of their letters, I’m not sure what the point is. They couch their candidacy in the slogan “Children First.” I’m pretty sure that every candidate as well as every person who has ever served on the school board would agree with that. Voting on slogans, however, is a most dangerous game. The more important questions to consider might be: Who are these people? At least two may not even have children in the Monroe schools. Do they have an agenda regarding curriculum? Does one of the Children’s First slate believe that the earth is flat? There is some credible evidence that that is so. Do we want that type of person on our school board.

What concerns me is that I don’t see any obvious way that these questions will be addressed before the election. Unless probed deeply, these candidates will simply spout platitudes like “Children First” and “We need change”. At what cost?

Please join me in voting for Rich Deprez, Dylan McGuire and Eric Eckdhal on April 5. They have a proven record of service and commitment to our schools and children.