May 17 Election (Eugene: homes, school district, tax)

[grog225]

Anybody have any thoughts on the 4j school board election?

Here's what I'm thinking--

First, let me say that I am a teacher, but not in the 4j district. I also have a first grader and a pre-schooler, so this is an important issue to me. I don't trust the R-G endorsements, mostly because they endorsed a "No" vote on Measure 20-182, which I think is an emergency measure we need.

So here is how I am leaning:

Position 1: Alicia Hays
Mostly this is a nay vote against the other two. In particular, Gary Carpenter who is a principle at Elmira High School. Having some experience with him and how that school is run, I'd say not a good idea to put him in charge of running Eugene schools. The number of kids driven out of EHS is alarming, I'd say...many of them say they were "kicked out." So...no, Alicia Hays is an incumbent who has done a good job in difficult times.

Position 4: Natasha Hennings
She's for 20-182, she's a parent, she says the right things. I'm for her, my only worry is splitting the vote and allowing one of the AFP-type candidates, like Mark Callahan, in. So this could change to incumbent Craig Smith, but my heart says Hennings. What's AFP? AFP is the Koch brother funded group that is taking over politics everywhere, like in Wisconsin. We don't need that here.

Position 7: Mary Walston

The only choice here. One of the other candidates is Mark Callahan's wife, Sherry. That's a no. The other is Matt Ginsberg, who is a friendly fellow. He is against 20-182, he also was a consultant for Morgan Stanley. Since Morgan Stanley was part of the reason the economy crashed, part of the reason why our tax revenues are down, part of the reason why the schools are in such bad shape now, etc,etc, etc...I have to say that's a big drawback for me. Two big drawbacks. Mary Walston has good community creds.

That's what I'm thinking. If anybody can add to this...especially if there is word on the way people are leaning in the Position 4 race. I don't want the vote to be split there!

[sadenham]

Good job, vote for the incumbents so things can stay the same. Bottom line is that the curent board mambers minus Torrey could care less what you Joe Public think they should do because they know better. Parents are stupid and should not have a say in education. Leave it to the smart educated people like Craig Smith. If you want to know how I come to that conclusion. Pretty close to a direct quote from him when Homesource was appealing for 4J to keep their contract.

[grog225]

Well, the one incumbent you mentioned, I didn't pick. My concern is mostly to keep Koch brothers out of my school district. I think Hays and Walston are pretty good. I favor the newcomer Hennings over the incumbent Smith. Torrey is unopposed.

so...I look forward to a little more substantive input from future contributors!

[haggardhouseelf]

I know Hays personally, I voted for her. She has a great heart and I trust her.

[grog225]

Yes, I've learned more since my initial post. My ballot will be for Hays, absolutely, and I'm leaning toward Craig Smith.