Public Asks AISD for Election to Fill Vacant Seat, Board Chooses to Appoint
By: Kristin Anderson
Updated: February 11, 2013
When the school board meeting opened up for public comment, three people stepped up to the podium and argued for the same thing.
"I would like to speak about the board vacancy on tonight's agenda," said one man.
"I, too, would would like to see a special election called," said Dan Simons.
"I would like to make one last pitch for special election versus appointment," said Bill Enriques.
They were addressing how the board will fill it's vacant seat. Not only calling for a special election.
"I think it's the only right thing to do, for the city and for the school," said Simons.
But to open it up for discussion in the school board meeting.
"Personally, I want to hear your personal thoughts as to why you want either want special elections or why you want appointments," said Enriques.
Arguing that it not be part of the board's closed meeting, and that it should ultimately be up to the public to decide.
"It should be up to the citizens of AISD to decide who will represent them and the members of this board," another said.
Saying that it creates more trust for AISD parents.
"As a taxpayer and a parent, I have the right to expect my school board members to be accountable," Enriques explained.
And is what they feel would be the proper way to fill that seat.
"Appointed officials feel accountable to those who appoint them," he continued. "A democracy is best served when positions that require an election, elections are held."
The board did change the agenda and addressed the issue with the public. And after discussion, voted 5-1 to appoint the newest member of the board themselves.
"I would like to speak about the board vacancy on tonight's agenda," said one man.
"I, too, would would like to see a special election called," said Dan Simons.
"I would like to make one last pitch for special election versus appointment," said Bill Enriques.
They were addressing how the board will fill it's vacant seat. Not only calling for a special election.
"I think it's the only right thing to do, for the city and for the school," said Simons.
But to open it up for discussion in the school board meeting.
"Personally, I want to hear your personal thoughts as to why you want either want special elections or why you want appointments," said Enriques.
Arguing that it not be part of the board's closed meeting, and that it should ultimately be up to the public to decide.
"It should be up to the citizens of AISD to decide who will represent them and the members of this board," another said.
Saying that it creates more trust for AISD parents.
"As a taxpayer and a parent, I have the right to expect my school board members to be accountable," Enriques explained.
And is what they feel would be the proper way to fill that seat.
"Appointed officials feel accountable to those who appoint them," he continued. "A democracy is best served when positions that require an election, elections are held."
The board did change the agenda and addressed the issue with the public. And after discussion, voted 5-1 to appoint the newest member of the board themselves.
Comments
Ahh, the arrogance of Stan continues. Despite what the public wants, he himself knows what's best for all of us and his minions on the board follow in his filthy slime.
Janet B.
February 12, 2013 at 9:27 am
