Former News-Sentinel employee Sandra Clark on a blog here writes about the upcoming Knox County School Board election. Clark mentions all the incumbents by name, ignores all the challengers names (except for a link to the Candidates list).
Now, on one of the races, I like the incumbent and a couple I like the challengers. I think EVERY politician should have an opponent. My School Board Rep. that serves in the seat I served back about 16 years ago is unopposed, on the ballot.
While, I may not agree with every candidate, I do name every candidate. Because it takes guts to be a candidate and become a “public figure” (open to criticism) and I believe because of that, they deserve mentioning.
What really bothers me most in Clark’s post is her blanket characterization that all the challengers to the incumbents are “Christian privatizers” or are being backed by “Christian privatizers”.
It reminded me of the time in late 1999, early 2000 as a candidate for School Board myself, that I got a call from former School Board member Anne Woodle. She asked me about a serious concern she had, she had been told that I was a leader in the Christian Coalition, a National group that was politically active in the late 1990s. I told Ms. Woodle, I am a Christian, however, I have never been active in the Christian Coalition. I agree with them on issues, but I’ve never attended an organizational meeting locally, in the state or federally. I appreciated her calling me and directly asking me the question and I told her so on that day. We had a good relationship from then on. Ms. Woodle has since passed away, but I have so much respect for her calling me directly.
Too many times candidates (me included) have had a lot of things said about them that is NOT true, but in the court of public opinion, it is accepted as truth.
Clark’s post painting John Meade, Daniel Watson and Adam Brown as “Christian privatizers” is a scare tactic and is just plain ole irresponsible, in my opinion.
The School Board races are
Second District Jennifer Owens -v- John Meade
When School Board Member Evetty Satterfield and I are together, we bring the fun. School Board Members Kristi Kristy, Jennifer Owens and County Commissioner Michelle Carringer. Satterfield with the victory sign and me with the thumbs up
Third District Tony Norman -v- Daniel Watson
Fifth District Susan Horne
TN Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn talking to Former Knox School Board Chair Patty Bounds and Current School Board Chair Susan Horn
Eighth District Adam Brown -v- Leon Daugherty -v- Mike McMillan
Justin Biggs Knox County Commissioner at Large Seat 11, Adam Brown and myself before the Knox County Mayor 2019 budget address
Do your own research on the candidates in your district. Do not take everything that Clark posts, I post, Compass Knox post or the News Sentinel prints. Then on March 3, 2020 or during Early Voting of February 12-25. Cast your vote.
