I'm asking for your vote
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March 20, 2013 |
As a journalist, I never expected to be in a
position of putting my hand out to ask for the
vote of confidence of an elector, but when a
sitting member the the Board of Trustees of
School District 101 says that I'm needed, I
listen. Albeit reluctantly.
As a stroke survivor, I don't get around well
any more. I don't have the stamina I once did
... I can't even wash my arm pits by myself.
I'm compelled to try, though. If I can
accomplish nothing else, maybe I can play a
small role in rebuilding trust between a local
elected body and local media. If I'm able,
perhaps that trust will spread to other local
bodies of public servants as well.
Except for that, I bring no agenda; I promise
only to do the best I can, just as all other
candidates do, for the students. I didn't grow
up here, didn't attend schools here, but I've
seen how remarkably well this district does at
affording our children the tools with which to
excel.
I've written articles or come to know some
amazing kids who've taken the education this
county gave them and used it as a stepping stone
to reach for, and grab, the stars. Sadly, I've
written more than a few articles on students who
didn't do so well. I'm not a believer in "No
Child Left Behind," nor the mandates or costs of
trying to make every student equal; some kids,
for whatever reason, will not accept what
they're offered.
But the kids who do ...
Doctors, like Lisa Frederickson, journalists,
like Sarah Corson. Farmers, like Ty Iverson, who
followed in his father's footsteps, farming the
fields his dad did; or Ben Nystrom and his wife,
Tanya, who not only farm, but now serve as
stalwarts in their church. Bonners Ferry Police
Chief Dave Kramer, Class of '76, who made me
welcome in this community. I, too, graduated in
'76.
Kids who excel in business, entertainment. Kids,
like Trina Florea, who have served their nation
well. Kids like Ethan Martin, who gave his life
in service to his nation.
I've also written articles about the people this
district hires to tend our kids; Merle Dinning,
a former county commissioner now sweeping halls
at Naples. While he sweeps, he mentors ... I've
seen how students there look up to him.
Transportation superintendents who get up early
on the mornings that even police hate to be out
in, checking to see if it's safe enough to drive
students to class. Sharon Smith, district
secretary, who showed be the definition of
"Byzantine" in trying to teach me, in a
nutshell, the rules by which the district was
forced to comply.
I've attended schools where such people are
looked down upon. In Boundary County, they are
looked up to. To me, that says a lot about the
people of this county.
And teachers ... amazing teachers. Jim Adamson,
Harv Brannigan, Tom Wofford, Dan Meeker, Tracy
Iverson, Janice Tucker, Harry O'Dell. I'll never
forget band teacher Phil Stella blowing taps in
our town's remembrance of 9/11 ... or director
Dave Carpenter's bows amid the ovation after
"The Wizard of Oz."
There are teachers I wish I'd had in the classes
I didn't appreciate at the time; Mr. Saboe,
physics and math, the late Mary Ann Luedtke,
advanced English, who invited me once to talk to
her class. Dave Gray, who not only taught
government, but still lives it. Science teacher
Conrad Garner, whose dedication has made him a
legend in "mat" as well. Paul Bonnell, who
inspires in class, track and field, Ed Katz, who
brings robots to science. Joe Ward, math, who
came here to retire, but was compelled to return
to the classroom ... by students.
I pray omission of a name won't be taken as a
slight; I've only scratched the tip of the
equation.
When I first came to Bonners Ferry in 1991, as a
reporter for the Herald, I thought I'd be
building a clip file to take to another daily
paper, such as the Spokesman Review, where I
started my career.
Instead, I found the home I'd never known.
My boss, Carol Arthur's kids, came in often to
tell her what a day they'd had; Clint and Adam
grew up, learned and came home to teach and
coach in the schools they grew up in.
That's a legacy to be proud of.
As a candidate for school board, I'm certainly
not sure I can do better than the good people
who have served; I certainly don't mean that I
think I am better or more qualified than Gil
Hagen, who serves this district well.
I don't know if I can do anything.
I am only running because I don't think it's
time to give up. I think there are improvements,
easy and free, to better connect the district
with the people who care about kids the most;
their parents, and I would like to have an
opportunity to inspire, just as I've been
inspired.
I am not running on "bomb threats," I am running
on a platform of better, more timely information
to the parents and families who trust, contribute, pay for
and demand to be informed. I know more than most
why media is not trusted; I am working, and
running, to begin regaining
that trust.
And I pray that trust grows.
Then, too, I have unassailable credentials ...
as a cripple for a year, I've grown good at
beating my head against walls, falling down and
getting back up, and falling again. No
significant damage so far ...
And that's why I'm asking for your vote May 21.
And a couple more signatures on my application.
If you'd like to sign, email
publisher@newsbf.com. |
Mike Weland
Bonners Ferry |
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