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lin•'s avatar

ThankYou!!!!

Racist wing religious extremists learned the lesson of the Civil Rights movement. Get into politics at every level. Show up and remake the party in your image.

Racist right wing religious extremists volunteer, vote, and run - as Republicans. They didn't swallow the elephant whole, they ate it bite by bite before *s#itting* out in their image - Trump.

The Left has a lot of catching up to do. BLM has the right idea - an alliance for civil right. Cori Bush for example.

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Sharon Stearley's avatar

I filed for Treasurer of our county for the primary in the spring. I expect to be the only Democrat on the ballot! My heart is breaking! I will be 79 if I am elected in the fall.

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Annie D Stratton's avatar

Good for you. I am 79 too. Thinking of posting myself for school board. At this point it would be write-in, but nobody here wants that job. And I'm not sure I do either, but I could be at least a placeholder.

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Rusty Fairbanks's avatar

Do it! My town needed someone to run and Selectmen encouraged me to step up. I had no children in school but I did have years of experience in government out of state. I knew the District had problems and no one seemed willing to face them or figure out what was wrong (although I had an idea). I was elected - served two 3-year terms, the last two years as Chair. We figured out the cause of the problem (a business manager who had stolen $250,000) and took care of that (sent her to prison). Rebuilt the confidence of the voters and passed budgets with nary a problem.

You will learn a lot being on that side of the Board table. And you may be able to build voter interest and better understanding of how a School Board works.

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Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

Bravo for you and your encouragement!! Learning sometimes comes from years of wisdom and experiences.

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Christi McG (IL)'s avatar

Thank you, Rusty.

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Susanna J. Sturgis's avatar

Do it, Annie! A buddy of mine ran for county commissioner as a write-in not long after he graduated from high school in 2018. He decided to run about 48 hours before the primary. A multi-generational cohort of supporters swung into action and got him on the ballot. He came in sixth in the general -- the top seven were elected. He's currently in college and doing a great job.

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Rusty Fairbanks's avatar

Don't let your age dissuade you. It gives you perspective, emotional balance, and the courage to say what needs to be said. At our age (I will be 81 in March) we don't have to be building anything; we have nothing to lose by telling the truth and doing what's right. So you're already ahead of any Republican on the ticket.

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Sharon Stearley's avatar

Rusty, I have an accounting degree from ISU (a late in life student). Then in 1987 after graduation I started working as a sales and use tax, withholding and income tax auditor for 26 1/2 years. I retired at 70 1/2. I am ready to go back to work and work for my county government now!

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Rusty Fairbanks's avatar

It may be up to us members of the "experienced generation" to bring some sanity (and integrity) back to government. We certainly seem to have a wiser perspective.

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Annie D Stratton's avatar

Thanks, Rusty. There is actually NOBODY on the ticket for this position, which was vacated midway by the incumbent. School board is non-partison. I live in a small town. Running would not be an issue. And they do need people like me. My problem is concern for my own health. I'm going to talk to someone I know who is on the board to get her thoughts.

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Rusty Fairbanks's avatar

I hope your health will allow you to sit on the Board. If there is no one else trying for the position, you can probably pick and choose what you are willing to take on. I suggest you take the initial position of just listening and learning (about how the Board works, what are the most critical issues the Board needs to address - is assigned to address. School Boards are usually responsible for establishing policies which the Superintendent is responsible for enacting. You might ask to see the District's policy book (which is usually organized by topic). Perhaps the District has a website where the policies are written out. That's the easiest way to become familiar with them. If the public/parents/media has been focused on particular issues, it would be beneficial to review any existing applicable policies already in existence and how they do or don't meet the need. The only other BIG responsibility may be the annual District budget. The Superintendent may prepare the proposed draft budget for the Board or Public to approve. It would be good to learn what the procedure is - and if there are any outstanding issues. Like I said - take the initial period to educate yourself (and to learn where the other Board members stand - the Superintendent - the relationship between the Board and Superintendent, the relationship between teachers/staff and the Superintendent.) You don't have to "do" anything. Just observe, listen, and read any available materials.

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Annie D Stratton's avatar

Thanks, Rusty. Good advice. I do have some experience with school oversight in Oregon and WA. I was member of governing board for my kid's school. And followed closely the one here for some time a few years ago when it was going through some trials (weird stuff). Got a feel then. Thought about running then- would you believe that they were actually in the position of asking for volunteers to fill slots? Well, come to it, we are all volunteers where this is concerned. Still thinking about it. Will know once I talk to my friend. But suspect where I need to put my energy is where it is right now.

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Ellie Kona's avatar

Check out Run For Something for candidate support:

https://runforsomething.net/

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Ruth Brinton (WA)'s avatar

Good for you, Sharon! I hope you win!

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lin•'s avatar

Yaay!!! YOU are the solution. All Best Wishes!!!!

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Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

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Cynthia O'Connor's avatar

Hey! You’re just a kid! You will win…never ever doubt that, not even for a minute!!

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Sharon Stearley's avatar

LOL! I live in a "Republican" county in Indiana. Most folks are uneducated and only vote straight "Republican" because they know the word "Republican". So very sad!

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Michele's avatar

Kudos.

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Lois Howell's avatar

Love Cori Bush! She is indeed a force of positive energy for her making our country a better place.

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lin•'s avatar

A savvy and smart activist and politician.

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