The Observation Deck

Another incumbent on the School Board says enough is enough.

John you had a lot to offer, we hardly knew you.

So... the President and the Vice President of the School Board, the only elected officials
with children currently in the Lakewood Public School System, have said, "No Mas!"

Does this mean the gap between city hall and the schools will disappear?



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Final List of Candidates

Linda G Beebe

Bill Call

Gregory J. Calleri

Tom Einhouse

Matthew John Markling

Kristine Pagsuyoin

Emma Petrie-Barcelona

Jim O'Bryan wrote:
Does this mean the gap between city hall and the schools will disappear?



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Jim,

City Hall might need a few political body blows and an upper cut to the jaw in order to teach it a lesson. That would be a very nice way to shut that overlly large mouth when it comes to the school board.

What a punk!




.....I'm patient!

Opinions and thoughts from two great Americans.


Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect.
Mark Twain

If everyone is thinking alike then somebody isn't thinking.
Gen. George S. Patton


It seems to me that there is two thoughts of politics, and running things. One is where
everybody thinks alike and everything runs smoothly.

The other encourages strong debate, fact finding, every group with representation, and
strong advocates for all parties at the table.

One is the way the mob works, and it is hard to say the mob has not been successful. The
other is uglier and more turbulent but generally comes up with some pretty amazing
compromises and ideas that serve and not serve everyone equally.

In the end, both groups serve us, the residents and businesses of Lakewood.

It could be interesting, should we ever see the process again.

FWIW


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Considering the relative pittance that we in Lakewood pay for the services of our elected officials, it's a wonder that we get anyone to step up and run for office.

Whether or not the candidates run on their own merit, or represent some special interest or philosophy, they would have to be very dedicated in order to be willing to serve in these positions.

Fortunately, Lakewood has always had people willing to stand up and be counted for these offices.

Unfortunately, and I believe in part due to the laughingly low compensation offered for Lakewood's positions of public trust, it just seems to me that so many of these quality people throw up their hands and get out of office as quickly as they came in, either returning to the private sector, or to higher offices out of town.

I for one, thank John for his services. I do believe that he was one of the more dedicated school board members that I've had to pleasure to meet. Not sure why he would not file, but thanks for your service, John!

Back to the banjo...

Gary Rice wrote:Considering the relative pittance that we in Lakewood pay for the services of our elected officials, it's a wonder that we get anyone to step up and run for office.

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Unfortunately, and I believe in part due to the laughingly low compensation offered for Lakewood's positions of public trust, it just seems to me that so many of these quality people throw up their hands and get out of office as quickly as they came in, either returning to the private sector, or to higher offices out of town.

Gary,

I strongly disagree. I serve on the Lakewood City School District Board of Education to ensure that we have an excellent system of public education. I have been very proud to serve Lakewood.

Financial compensation is not an issue, nor should it be when the education of our children is at stake … and I am sure that John, Linda, Betsy, and Ed would agree.

Professional politicians should not be running our local schools. Let those folks run for Mayor, County Executive, Governor, Senator, President, et al.

We have children to educate … some may even learn to play the banjo …

Matt

Matthew John Markling wrote:

Gary Rice wrote:Considering the relative pittance that we in Lakewood pay for the services of our elected officials, it's a wonder that we get anyone to step up and run for office.

Unfortunately, and I believe in part due to the laughingly low compensation offered for Lakewood's positions of public trust, it just seems to me that so many of these quality people throw up their hands and get out of office as quickly as they came in, either returning to the private sector, or to higher offices out of town.

Financial compensation is not an issue, nor should it be when the education of our children is at stake … and I am sure that John, Linda, Betsy, and Ed would agree.

This is based on the compensation question alone.

Could it be possible that some people who care very deeply about the children and education could not fill the position because they do not have other lucrative positions (such as legal) to support them and family, therefore making it impossible to dedicate time to the position without a higher salary?

I would never support a public official that runs for the money. In real dollars there isn't enough money to compensate for the hassle...one does it for the cause, or should that is.

John is at least consistent. He left the way he came and served the way he left...lurking in the shadows.

Wowie....

While I certainly appreciate, and largely agree with Matt's point, (as well as appreciate his service to our schools!) I also find myself in appreciation and agreement with J Hrlec's counterpoint.

Both points of view in this discussion would appear to hit the proverbial nails on the head.

Money, while certainly not an end in itself, still remains as a powerful attraction for qualified people.

Yet, at the same time of course, we understandably hope that higher principles and of course, our students' interests, will come first in a discussion of education.

Back to the banjo...