Lessons learned from Tuesday's elections
Democrats are joyous over their gains in Wake County following Tuesday’s school board elections. But after a bit of revelry and celebration we hope they will understand the primary message in this election.
Two years ago these same voters sent a message to the administration and existing board they weren’t happy at what they perceived to be arrogance in frequent and often misguided student reassignments. Parents were unhappy when their questions and protests were dismissed or not honestly addressed so they voted out the power structure and put in a new board. Yes, it was led by Republicans, but voters weren’t choosing party so much as choosing change.
The new Wake School Board assumed control in 2010, promising change, but it became soon obvious they didn’t understand their mandate. Instead of being more responsive and open they quickly became more arrogant than those they replaced, assuming their mandate was to radically restructure Wake Schools. And they did, turning the school board into a place where contention, poorly conceived and defined policies and power politics were the rule.
Once again the voters spoke to power Tuesday night, telling those in leadership they weren’t happy. Once again the board has changed, regardless of whether a fifth Democrat is elected or not. This isn’t about political party and never has been. Instead of fighting with each other, neighborhoods, groups or political factions Wake citizens want a school board that will honestly, intelligently and humbly work to improve the education opportunities for every child.
If the new board truly understands why they won office and will judiciously use their positions to seek understanding, provide positive direction, challenge the status quo when necessary and listen to those who put them there we will all benefit.
If, on the other hand, they misunderstand their mandate, abuse their power and prove as contentious as the current board they, too, will be out of power in two years. The children are not the only ones with lessons to learn.
Our legislature would also do well to learn this lesson.
It seems that the voters in Wake County have forgotten the very poor choices made by the Democrats over the last 30 years prior to the Republican controlled school board.
If a person puts one crab in a bucket it will climb out easily. When the person puts two or more crabs in a bucket, they will pull each other back down into the bucket while trying to climb out, and none escape.
I would like to proclaim the election that put control of the Wake school board back in the hands of the Democrats as the "crabs-in-a-bucket-election".
The Republican controlled school board took bold, new, and refreshing steps to get Wake County out of the "30-year-bucket". All indicators show that their policies are working, and that they were close to escaping from the bucket.
Now, the voters have ignorantly thrown Democrat crabs back in, and they will surely pull Wake County Schools back down into the "30-year-bucket" with them.
It was a very sad election day for the parents and children of Wake County.
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RIGHT ON !!!!!!!!R>LOWRY< CARY, N>C>
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