Frustrated by the National Election Scene?

. . . Then perhaps it’s time to take a look at candidates running for local office.  In particular, three people who may not be getting much attention are those on the ballot for appointment to the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education.

Jeffrey Brookner & Jill Gladstone at a 6/12/2012 Board Event.

All three are incumbents, and all are running unopposed.  To a certain degree, that frustrates me, because this large school district is one of the most important resources to these two communities, and it commands the largest share of the real estate tax burden.

There was a time in this district when BR-BOE School Board seats were hotly contested and when attendance and participation by the public at School Board meetings was high.

Those days are gone.

Although I would like to see more diversity on this School Board and the infusion of fresh blood, that does not necessarily lead to better outcomes.

Good outcomes for good school boards mean that the nine elected members are not beholden to internal special interests of their school districts.

It also means that the board as a whole be mindful not to transfer to the administration what are the board’s own specific, legally codified responsibilities for making and enforcing good education policies, while also developing a good rapport with the community at large.

Lynne Hurley at a 7/23/2013 Board Meeting.

Those are results far more easily said than obtained.

Yet, there is good news:  When you vote on November 8, whatever you do, don’t skip marking your choice for the three incumbents, even though they are sure to get in.

Each has a good track record of competency on the BR-BOE, despite some disagreements, even at times, heated ones.

When you find the names of Jeffrey Brookner, Lynne Hurley and Jill T. Gladstone on your ballot, you won’t go wrong to signify your approval, unless you have a particular difficulty with someone.

 

They are sure to appreciate your endorsement of their return to the BR-BOE.

Disclaimer:  I have had no discussions with any of these board members about their current candidacy, nor with any of their supporters.