I am grateful for the many opportunities the candidates have to communicate their education, experience, and vision for our district. With six candidates appearing on the ballot for only two places, each with their own vision for the district, background, and motivation for running, it is vital that the taxpayers educate themselves on their choices. To maintain my vow of transparency in this campaign, I’ve also posted my full responses to the questionnaires I’ve been asked to complete by a wide range of parties and organizations, and will continue to do so as I meet with more groups. Just click on 2012 Campaign, then Issues to see the surveys.
MetroTex Association of Realtors led the forum circuit with an opportunity last month for an in-depth interview with the candidates that felt very much like a job interview. As a group of realtors they believe that a strong school board can create a strong school district, which improves property values and makes it easier to sell property within a community. As a result, they pick a candidate to endorse, and offer a $500 donation in support of that candidate. I am proud to say that I received the GCISD School Board, Place 1 Endorsement and received my check at a ceremony this week!
Republican Women of North Texas offered candidates from around the 98th district an opportunity to speak to their membership earlier this month. It was interesting to hear how the various local elections are coming along and the issues each of the areas are facing.
Colleyville Executive Organization (CEO) held a forum at their breakfast meeting allowing candidates to offer three-minute introductions and one minute to respond to the questions posed by its members. This forum was just for school board members so we were able to delve further into the issues. Media coverage of the forum highlighted some of the responses to our questions, and a follow-up correction was offered for clarification. School finance and LEAD 2021 were the biggest issues to all candidates, but each had a different level of involvement and perspective.
Finally, the Council of PTAs in conjunction with the League of Women Voters held a candidate forum in Grapevine High School’s library. Many questions were submitted by the audience and each candidate had one minute to respond. If we didn’t make it to your question, email me and I’ll be happy to post a response. In addition, GCISD did record the debate, so I will update you when that link is available.
Individually candidates are invited to speak to a variety of groups, such as the CGS Democrats where I spoke on Thursday. I’m happy for any opportunity where the community can get questions answered from the candidates so they can truly know where they stand. The bottom line is that once elected, Trustees have oversight for the vision of the district, the Superintendent, and the budget for the next three years. At this critical time in our district’s history, it is vital that we know the candidates so that we can feel confident in their abilities to advance the district, without knowing exactly what is in store for us in the future. 10 days until early voting!
