Don McKee
The two contenders in the July 20 Republican primary are Kathleen Angelucci and Bill Borden, seeking the seat held by John Abraham, who is not running again. The winner of the primary takes the seat since there is no Democratic candidate running.
On some of the hot-button issues, Angelucci and Borden hold opposing views, per their answers in their own words to questions, as published recently by the MDJ (June 15, Pages 4-5A).
What about the highly controversial switch from grading primary students with A-B-C to numbers - done by Superintendent Fred Sanderson and staff without board knowledge or approval?
Angelucci said she would vote to return to the A-B-C system. Borden said, "No."
What about tax increases or budget cuts to balance the school district budget?
"Wiser spending choices and better use of revenue are what could have kept us from this sudden, dire economic situation," Angelucci said.
Borden said he favored both tax increases and budget cuts. "As a last resort, I would raise taxes," he said.
What about raising school taxes to the 20-mill maximum?
"No," said Angelucci.
"Yes, if necessary to achieve a quality education," Borden said.
On the issue of accrued vacation time for central office staff and certain other employees, the candidates also disagreed.
Angelucci said, "I favor adoption of policies that would limit the amount of accrual." Borden said, "No, I do not favor the complete elimination of the vacation rollover days."
As for Cobb seeking federal Race to the Top funds, Angelucci said, "No" because states would have to "agree to adopt a national curriculum and standards that haven't yet been written." Borden said, "Yes with a caveat" - that "teachers, parents and pertinent organizations should be polled and their opinions considered" before a "Race" application is made.
The "balanced calendar" early start date for schools has generated a lot of opposition - before and after it was approved in a 4-3 board vote last November after Abraham and David Banks flip-flopped on campaign promises to support a later date.
On the start date, Angelucci favors the third week of August or later, something she's pushed hard for as an involved citizen. Borden favors "mid-August."
What about flip-flopping on campaign promises? The candidates were asked, "Is it acceptable to disavow a campaign promise, and if so, why?"
Angelucci was unequivocal: "When I give my word, I intend to keep it. Adults must lead by example, and setting the example of keeping one's word is something I take very seriously." No ifs, ands or buts.
Borden said, "While it is unacceptable to break a promise," he went on to say, "However, it is perfectly acceptable for any human being to have a change of opinion when presented with new facts." It's essentially the argument made by flip-floppers Abraham and Banks.
That being true, Borden sounds like an echo of the incumbent.
dmckee9613@aol.com
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I tend to view with extreme misgivings any politician who "promises" ahead of time, particularly since none of us knows how the future might change. Obvious example: any U.S. politician who promised never to vote for war in the years leading up to Dec. 7, 1941. The situation changed on that day in ways that few could have foreseen.
No one wants their taxes raised. No one wants to feel that current tax money is not being spent well. Even so, sometimes taxes do need to be raised. The important thing is to make sure that the taxes are only raised after thorough and intelligent thought has been applied to the current budget.
I'm looking forward to seeing a school board composed of people who are passionate about doing what is right for students, who want Cobb to be a world-class school system for all its schools, not just Walton and the "Walton-of-the-West". Frankly, I don't see why we aren't aiming toward a district where every school is a "Walton". (Don't even start the argument that the Walton parents care and the lower s.e.s parents don't. Just because you aren't well-to-do doesn't mean you don't care about your kid's education.) I'm looking for a school board that is focused on excellence in education--in teaching and in student learning.
I'm waiting to hear a candidate for this post indicate that he/she is also looking for those same things.
Just because some has similar opinions on issues does not make them an "echo incumbent".
Borden is nothing like Kathy in that he is calm and not irrational. Take a look back at your own newspaper clippings to 2001-2002 and the Kell redistricting. She wanted her kids to go the the brand new Kell over the 30 year old SHS building so badly that she led a silly campagain called the McClesky 144 and sued the county, wasting hundreds of thousands of the legal dollars that she says she wants to save now.
You can't have it both ways Kathy. You are no better than any of the others when things happen that you care about.
Don, be careful who you hitch your editoral wagon to.