In 2010, the Supreme Court released a monster when it approved unlimited political donations from corporations and individuals. In our technology-dependent world, it is very likely that the winning candidates will be the ones who have the most money to spend in various forms or advertising. As such, it seems to me that the immense amount of support that comes from other states for Florida candidates is unfair and frightening.
For example, the candidate running against Elizabeth Andersen (for District 2, the Beaches seat on the Duval school board) is April Carney, who apparently has the support of Steve Bannon. The former political strategist welcomed Carney into his podcast – “Bannon’s War Room” – last November, urging his audience to follow and support his campaign.
While this may not constitute formal approval (and whether I approved or not the choice), this is not the problem here. Why in the world is anyone urging national support for a candidate in Jacksonville?
Being allowed to spread so much money (and air time) gives too much power over elections to too few people. It also eliminates many potentially highly competent candidates who may not be able to compete at the same level. Andersen, our former president of the school board, deserves to run on her qualifications. His opponent runs a properly orchestrated campaign, much of which is based on what hasn’t been said. Voters have to be careful!
From the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: State interference in school board elections undermines public education
Letters: The inaction of lawmakers is not an option to curb gun violence
Then there is another layer of concern. A June 20 story in the Times-Union said the DeSantis campaign is also targeting candidates for the school board, which certainly includes Duval County.
Aren’t these the same people who feel the interference from Washington, preferring to make their own decisions? However, the state leadership annuls the medical information, tries to interfere with the decisions of the colleges and universities and again tries to influence the councils of the local schools.
As a former teacher, it seems to me that Dr. Diana Greene is doing an exceptional job of guiding our vast school district in the right direction. She needs a board that will work with her to accomplish everything that needs to be done. In my opinion, this should be a local decision. We don’t need support from outside Florida or interference from the state.
Students should be the priority – not overreaching the policy.
Rhoda T. London, retired teacher, Jacksonville
This guest column is the author’s opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a variety of opinions.
