Well....maybe it's time that SP-EYE got in the game.
Let's start with a summary look at the candidates...
John Welke
John made a more than respectable run as a write-in candidate last year. Since then, he's kicked it into overdrive. He secured a position as citizen representative on the school board's FT&T Committee, and presented more situation reports than any board member in the past 3 years. This is a guy that not only wants to TALK about the issues affecting Sun Prairie, but also DO something. What he doesn't puff his chest out about is even more credit-worthy. He IS involved in the schools as a WATCHDOG and with the community through youth ministries. In addition, his law enforcement background makes him a top-shelf candidate that is beyond reproach. He's clearly a proactive guy vying to change the operating philosophy of a very reactive board. Welke will demand accountability from district administration and will speak loudly and clearly for board transparency and being good stewards of our tax dollars.
Al Slane
SP-EYE has had a "Love-Like-Wanta Smack Him Upside the Head" thing going with ole Albert. There are many times when Al has stepped up to the plate, and a few others where we want to throttle him--figuratively speaking, of course. Mr. Slane took a brief vacation a few weeks back--first in some time, we understand--and he seems to have come back all re-energized like a US Cellular battery swap. Subsequently, we like what we have seen. The fact that he and his ideas are not getting a lot of love from fellow board members perhaps underscores the merits of his ideas. They want the status quo...and Al seems to be stepping out from their shadows. Good for him. We are very hopeful for Al's future, but need to see a little more from him in terms of making sure that things get on the table and discussed.
Caren Diedrich
When she's not sitting at the board table, Caren is a genuinely likable woman. Unfortunately, when she IS at the board table, the Koolaid flows mightily through her veins. On the one hand, we like that she speaks her mind freely...rather than some other board members that just look at what the majority does and then echo that sentiment. On the other hand, a lot of what she says is really out there. Or...if things don't go her way, she gets a little bit pouty with a "I'm going to take my basketball and go home" 'tude. Case in point the vote this past week regarding the piano. Seeing the other 6 had voted to fund a piano (which she did not favor), Diedrich's response, when called for vote, was , "It doesn't matter...I'm not going to vote". We also have a bit of a problem with her recent statements that she and the board "shut off certain community members when they get up to speak". You may not like their message, Caren, but they ARE community residents and you OWE them your attention. Ms. Diedrich also did not provide any response to questionnaires provided by both SP-EYE and The Isthmus/Dane Co. League of Women Voters. That indicates either a sense of entitlement, or less than valiant effort to be reelected. Neither is good. Finally...we think 12 years of one person's opinion on ANY board is enough.
Jim McCourt
It's abundantly clear that Mr. McCourt would much prefer to be either dining on sea bass or working on his latest business project than putting in even a half-hearted effort on the school board. He misses too many meetings (more than 25%) without a real reason. He's been absent for some of the biggest issues taken up by the board. We simply have too many significant issues to resolve in the district to continue to accept a board member that can, at best, offer only 3/4 of his attention. Like Ms. Diedrich, McCourt also did not provide any response to questionnaires provided by both SP-EYE and The Isthmus/Dane Co. League of Women Voters. He is also is quoted to have been very lukewarm about even running for re-election. He clearly is not actively campaigning in any way. Actually, only Welke is showing any real interest in running for the position. Perhaps all 3 incumbents are running on a sense of entitlement. This is not a guy that is serious about the school board...so why should we seriously consider him as a candidate?
...and the vote goes to...
Whatever you do, cast a vote for John Welke. This board needs change, and Welke has proven that he's a leader that can effect positive change within the district.
IF YOU WANT TO SEND A MESSAGE LOUDLY & CLEARLY:
Vote John Welke
Write-In: Al Borland
Write-In: Jill Taylor
Which ONE Incumbent Deserves your vote?
Al Slane clearly and distinctly has earned another kick at the cat. He's only had a year, and has shown the most growth as a board member. Toss Albert a bone, but either leave that last space blank...or better yet...cast your 3rd vote for Al Borland or Jill Taylor. You know those two are not afraid to say, "I don't think so, Tim!"
SP-EYE's ballot
We're sending a message to the board. We're afraid the board might have forgotten last fall and the fact that WE elect THEM to represent US. We think ole' Al(bert) Slane will be just fine without our vote. Unlike the board, SP-EYE has faith that the community is far smarter than the board gives them credit for, and we're sure the community knows that Al Slane is worth saving.
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