I am taking a bit of a “blogger” privilege here writing this article…not specifically Howard County news…but more of just my thoughts and opinions.
My assumption is there is not many people that are “closely” watching this 2020 election for school board here in Howard County not seeing what is happening…partisan politics is now playing a bigger role than ever before.
I am not saying we have not seen partisan politics in the past in these races (as some people have pointed out recently)…but this election cycle…now that candidates run by district…Holy Cow!!!
I was excited to see a candidate from my district (District 3) finally make it on to the board with this new system…but now I am asking myself…at what cost to the school system to see candidates elected by district?
If we as a school system are about partisan politics…what level of influence will the State Delegation (State Senators and State Delegates) have? What level of influence will the County Council or County Executive have? What level of influence will the local party Central Committees have on the education of our kids? Especially with those candidates receiving and publicizing those endorsements from elected officials and political entities.
Is this really what we want?
I was hoping for candidates that were independent thinking people from each district in our county. Those candidates focused on advocating for the kids, schools, and parents in their districts as well as the full school system. I am not sure that is what we will have at the end of this election cycle.
This is clearly scary (to me at least) if you watch what is being said….what is being “pitched” to the voters. Not just from one side…but both sides. From parties, from candidates and from candidate advocates. Just wow.
I am seriously rethinking if this is a good idea (running by districts)….Robert Miller will be happy to hear that as he and I have disagreed on this topic for a long time. Robert, seriously…you might be right. Who would have ever thought I would say that this early on in the process?
We will see what happens at the end of all of this next month. We will then see what happens with the new board in the future. Will this actually be a good thing (candidates running by district) or will partisan politics play THE major role in our school system in the future?
I have to tell you right now…I am very concerned about our school system. Don’t forget…some of us remember when Montgomery County was the best school system and then watched it change over time. Will that happen to Howard County by taking the political role when it comes to our kids education? I can not say right now…but if there is anything that might start us down that road…this election cycle might just be that thing that does it.
Obviously these are my observations and my opinions…if you have other opinions…feel free to leave me comments on this post or on social media.
Scott E
