List, I would like to second the perspective of Nikki, Alan and Matthea. (Wow, quite a diverse group of people to agree with at one time!)
For me it is not simply an issue of the ethnicity or color of the candidates. It is an issue of background, perspective, and skills. The aggregate skills of the school board should represent the diversity of experiences of the stakeholders of the Minneapolis public schools. Personal and professional experience working with the "highest risk" <see note> students of the district will be sorely lacking if the current DFL slate is elected as endorsed. Especially with Al Gallmon leaving the board, the failure of Jonathan Palmer to be endorsed was deeply regrettable. It was very unfortunate that Al arrived late and was not there to make the seconding speech for Jonathan. I can't help but think it would have made a difference. While I am exceptionally excited about Joe Erickson and Colleen Moriarty's potential on the board; I wish that someone had the power to make a strategic decision on behalf of the DFL and the city and urge Judy Farmer who has had the opportunity to serve on the board for long enough to see more then one class enter kindergarten and graduate high school, to step aside and support emerging civic leadership. Not having been very involved in the race, it seemed that an unfortunate union battle between AFSCME and MFT got in the way of making the best collective decision on behalf of the Minneapolis and our youth. Joseph Barisonzi Lyndale, Ward 10 Note: I absolutly hate the pathologizing label "youth at risk" View them at risk, treat them at risk and we perpetuate a risk. With apologies to the esteemed Secretary of State -- these are our youth of promise. The commitment and responsibility to create the environment which supports the realization of that promise is ours. _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
