Publicola reports on contremps about School District endorsements at the 36th District Democrats (Ballard, Greenwood, Phinney Ridge, Fremont, Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Belltown)
Former KUOW weather man Cliff Mass supports the challengers in the stormy school board races.
The incumbents are Peter Maier and Sherry Carr.
An Ingrahm High teacher, who voted for Maier four years ago, spoke against him this time. And outspoken ousted KUOW weatherman Cliff Mass spoke—in an impressive radio voice—for Maier’s opponent, Sharon Peaslee. Neither incumbent got the nod. And while Peaslee nor Carr-challenger Kate Martin got the District’s endorsement either, the angry challengers—thematically linked by their opposition to the Arne Duncan agenda—continued to stall the incumbents at the District endorsement level.
The LACK of interest in this race, illustrates the real reason democracy is a lusy way to run a school district. These positions are unpaid and rewarded only by personal pleasure or approbrium from interests groups. In my opinion, the District should be absorbed by the city and governed by professional managers. with policies set by a board of regents appointed by the Mayor and including standing positions for the City Council and the PTSA.