Recent Comments
Re: “Your Participation is Mandatory: The INDY’s 2016 Primary Endorsements”
Again I am confused by the Indy Endorsements.
A huge issue in Orange County is public education and this was not even brought up in the endorsements. On the state level there is a clear push to dismantle public education and for the near future the county budget is the only way we will be able to "hold the line" against the defunding. Yet the only mention of this issue for the District 1 race is that 12 year CHCCS school board member Jamezetta Bedford is a "former school board member". For District 2 there is no mention of public education as an issue at all. This despite the fact that almost 50% of the County's budget goes to education, our schools are physically crumbling, and we are unable to fill open teaching positions - the list goes on.
For those people who are interested in public education in Orange County -
District 1 - As the Indy states, Jamezetta "would be an excellent commissioner." We need her for her understanding of public education and her willingness to look at the county budget with a critical eye. Jamezetta Bedford and Mark Dorsin both understand that we need to be leaders on these issues and come up with new ideas to approach funding. Voting the right way is not enough.
District 2 - We need someone who is willing to fight for public education and has new ideas on how to approach the budget. Bonnie Hauser doesn't just give lip service to supporting public education, she volunteers in the public schools on a regular basis. She sees what is going on in our schools because she spends time in those schools. She is not just "a regular presence at commission meetings" - she is a successful local activist who gets things done. Bonnie Hauser is the best candidate for District 2 for those who care about public schools in Orange County.
Re: “Vote! The INDY’s endorsements for races in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro”
Many people look to the Indy for guidance when it comes to local elections. It is so difficult to get information on these local races - we depend on you. I'm disappointed that Margaret Samuels did not receive an Indy endorsement for CHCCS Board of Education.
Margaret Samuels is extremely active in the community. She has, among other things, served as PTA Council President and truly knows our schools.
As the parent of a special needs student, it is especially important to me that Margaret understands the Exceptional Children program. She works for a non-profit organization that provides transition support to high school students and adults with disabilities. There are few people with a deeper knowledge of the real world challenges for special needs students than Ms. Samuels.
I have not heard anyone speak of Margaret Samuels with anything but the highest admiration and respect for her knowledge of public education.
Margaret Samuels is the #1 choice of people who are active in CHCCS schools.
You did get is right with Rani Dasi. She is amazing and we need her on the school board.
Rani Dasi is the #2 choice of people who are active in CHCCS schools.
Maybe next year you can give some people more of an opportunity to formally weigh in before the endorsements are published?
Re: “The Durham-Orange County Light Rail Line Is on the Ropes Again. That Might Be a Good Thing.”
Very impressive! It is great to see actual journalism vs. the rewriting of a press release.