Bridgeport Elects School Board; World doesn’t end…

Sep 05

jonpeltoBridgeport, Mayor Bill Finch, Paul Vallas , , 15 Comments

Following yesterday’s special election in Bridgeport, the reign of Bridgeport’s illegal Board of Education has come to end.  Bridgeport now has a democratically elected board of education.

The democratically elected board will be made up of six Democrats and three members of the Working Families Party.

As reported in the Connecticut Post, “In all, there were nine candidates vying for four open seats in an election that was not only historic but quite possibly the last school board election if voters accept a proposed charter change in November that would put the selection of the school board in the hands of the mayor.”

In a City where almost two out of every three voters are registered as Democrats, the Democratic leadership seemed particularly overjoyed with the results.

“The people have spoken,” Democrat Kenneth Moales told the CT Post

“The kids won the election. This is a victory for them,” added Democrat Herman Illingworth.

And Mayor Bill Finch said, “the people ratified the new direction that Paul Vallas and I have taken the schools in Bridgeport, and I think it bodes well for the charter change in the fall.”

Bodes well for the Mayor’s desire to do away with a democratically elected board and replace it with one in which he gets to appoint the members?

It is interesting that no one within the Democratic machine observed that the real outcome was that democracy worked.

The people had the opportunity to select who they wanted on their board of education and they chose 6 Democrats and 3 members of the Working Families Party.

The world didn’t come to an end…

The Democrats still control the Board of Education…

And there will now be some appropriate balance, so the people will benefit from a more open and honest debate and discussion about the challenges that face Bridgeport’s schools…

It was almost as if Mayor Finch and the Democrats were surprised or disappointed that democracy worked.

…And the Mayor’s reaction was to say that it bodes well for taking away people’s democratic rights?

Hey Mr. Mayor, how about observing that this is the United States of America, we believe in democracy, and the you look forward to working with a democratically elected board as you seek to provide the children of Bridgeport with the quality education they need and deserve…

 

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rich-White/100000066062155 Rich White

    C’mon John. For a guy propisng union-only shcools and denying parental choce through vouchers which would open up systems to Naitonal, Regional, and Local Charteers and increase inclusion by integrating parochial schools and much needed competition your support of democracy and choice seems rather fanciful.

    • Guest

      Goatdouche,
      You do have a choice. If you don’t like your school or school district MOVE! There’s your choice!!!!

      • jonpelto

        Rich, et. al.

        I was talking with Daine Ravitch today (speaking of pro-union types J – about her blog and how she tries to promote discourse that is open and respectful.

        Her advice was to keep reminding people to be respectful and to promote the idea that people are free to put out constructive comments, even critical comments, but that there needs to be a basic level of discourse that promotes dialogue.

        She added, when that doesn’t work, delete the comments…

        And when that doesn’t work, remind people that it’s my blog and my rules.

        So, I’ll remind you all. Dissent is not only allowed but applauded. You can even use sarcasm, pointed remarks and even name calling as long as it is witty…

        But I read every comment. In fact, that is my favorite part of blogging.

        But from here on out, any comment I deem overly offensive… will be deleted.

        And the definition of “overly offensive” is not only made up by me, but can change without notice.

        There… you have all be duly warned.

        Don’t stop going after each other.

        Just do it with finesse or risk deletion.

        Comprendo?

      • Guest

        Jon,

        I hear you. However, when I’m bullied I usually just punch them in the face. I’m blunt, obnoxious, uncouth, and refuse to put up with reformers, teabaggers, and in general ass$#@!. Traditional liberals need to stop being such push overs and fight back.

      • msavage

        I agree with you there–to a certain extent. I think it’s time to stop being so polite. So worried about hurting other people’s feelings that we let the bullies of the world walk all over us. At the same time, I also see Jon’s point re maintaining civil discourse.

      • Linda174

        I really just skim his posts…they all say the same thing anyway and I never learn anything so why take them seriously. I like to learn and he doesn’t present anything of value in my opinion.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Tommy-Burns/712565941 Tommy Burns

      Simple and misguided thoughts Rich

  • M. Freeman

    How many “illegal” members were elected?

    • Sleepless in Bridgeport

      2 “illegals”, 1″illegal” with a double conflict of interest, and 1 new face with a lethal jump shot!

  • bronx

    I’m beginning to think Rich White has the goat typing and/or proofreading for him….

    • jonpelto

      Okay, now that’s funny!

    • Guest

      Yes, so true!

  • Chris

    I’m surprised you didn’t mention the pathetic (or maybe I should say apathetic) voter turnout!

    • jonpelto

      I’ll post those numbers – I meant to but then need to go back and double check a couple of number. Sent from my BlackBerry please excuss typos

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