posted August 5, 2008
I am asking everyone to think carefully when they cast their vote for their District 2 School Board Representative. We have a chance to elect a proven educator, someone who will return our phone calls, vows to fulfill the full four-year term, work to stop excessive spending in the central office and put the money in the classroom. Someone who will always speak the truth and not have backroom dealings, arrogance, and ego trip as part of his resume.
It's time to put someone who is truly interested in our school children and their continued education on board and get rid of the "carnival barker" who has miserably represented us in the past, and wants to use his position for publicity to run for a commission seat in two years, leaving the seat vacant and open for appointment.
Joe Dumas deserves a chance to help turn this mess around and be a real representative to those who elect him.
Arlos Dempsey
Walden
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Why You Should Not Vote For Chip Baker
I am aware that election day is tomorrow, and I have to get this off my chest. With the economy circling the drain, very few of us in Hamilton County can afford more taxes. There is no reason why the school system can't effectively run well with the amount of money the school board is allotted. Chip Baker does not care about the education of our children. His interests are himself and those funding his campaign.
On May 17th, 2008, Chip's fan club put together a lavish fundraiser for his campaign. Among those who hosted were real estate developers and others who stand to benefit, directly
or indirectly, from decisions made while Chip has been on the school board.
Here are a few names on the long list of sponsors:
Julian Bell is a developer who owns a large tract of land in the vicinity of the new Signal Mountain High School.
Robert White is another developer who was recalled as Signal Mountain city councilman for his support of high density rezoning.
Bob Linehart was recalled for the same reason as White.
Lizetta Paturalski, the councilwoman who survived the 2006 recall by a few votes but later resigned, also supported high-density rezoning.
Jason Farmer is a real estate broker with close ties to White who stands to benefit from high density development.
Jesse Register is the former school system superintendent who is paying Chip back for the favor of a $150K consulting contract after he left as superintendent.
Last, but certainly not least, voters should know that Ward Crutchfield (though not on the public supporter list this time) was a major contributor to Chip's last two campaigns.
As a fellow citizen of this county, I am asking those of you who haven't voted yet, to consider your children and your pocketbook. Joe Dumas is an educator himself. Who better to lead our schools in the right direction?
Briann Lambert
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