We also know how the TFT leadership acts and what kind of support they demand. Besides direct contributions are only part of the support – we have volunteers (TFT has a large membership) and the indirect financial support of their members. Except for the recent issues where she bucked the TPS administration on what she perceived as lax security procedures, I have not seen her take any stance, especially with action, that went counter to the TFT leadership. Her answers at the debates did not demonstrate any independence in that relationship.

We also know that there may be ways around this law. Such as having the state organization or an affiliated union make the contributions. There will be loopholes found! You and I discussed that this might happen.

Yes, I think the situation with Steel is much more of concern. If I thought Sobecki was one of the two best candidates, I might have a dilemma. However, her answers were short on substance as his her platform and knowledge of the issues, for example, her answers in the Truth regarding the Toledo Plan. Add the union endorsements and it suggests a “flawed” candidate.

So I respectfully disagree with your conclusion, but understand that changes in state finance laws make it less of an asset. However, as we know Strickland tried to get the courts to set aside the law after he was elected on a technicality. A change in Columbus in the legislature could once again change this law.

So I still see this as a significant cause for concern.

All of the candidates will have closer ties/relationships with one group or another and will most likely be forced to make unpopular decisions at times that could make one group of supporters unhappy. Having watched and spoken with Lisa on more than one occasion, I would not expect her to agree with any of the unions just based on the support given in the election. I’d be more concerned with a candidate who was a teacher or was married to a teacher as having more difficulty in trying to remain unbiased when it came to certain issues with the TFT.

I do agree though that a question concerning unions and how the candidates relationship either pro or con would affect their decisions as a school board candidate would be an interesting one for all of the candidates to answer. As you pointed out, some of the concern comes from past situations.

Lisa may well be a fine person. However….. She is endorsed by TFT, TAAP (through the UAW Cap Council) and AFSCME which are all TPS employee unions. This raises a big red flag (no pun intended). I believe that much of our problem in Toledo has been because ambitious politicians get supported by the same unions for which they negotiate contracts and in the process the public gets their wallet picked and union leadership gains enormous control over our public institutions and government. I recently formulated this equation – public service unions + beholding politicians = higher taxes + less oversight.

I believe voting for Sobecki is problematic. Watching the leadership of the TFT over many years, makes me believe that she will support higher taxes and cede further control to union leadership. I don’t see this as a positive development in improving public education and restoring an important pillar upon which our future (children) and economic prosperity depend.

Ford also has the endorsements of the TFT and TAAP – have not heard about AFSCME to date. While I believe that Ford has the stature to stand on his own, if he no longer wishes a higher political office, and wants to be the kind of elder statesman and community advocate we need, he would be a tremendous choice. However his political past would seem to say that is not going to happen.

In addition as you will recall, he did not screen with the Democratic Party because he was standing on principle: they did not endorse him as the incumbent mayor in the last election. That certainly makes me wonder if Ford is ready to move to the future or just even old scores.

If you can overlook these issues, then you have greater faith in our current political environment than I.

So standing on my own principles, I will not be voting for Sobecki or Ford. As to my choices, not today.

Cheryl C. was asked why she chose a private school and she gave the answer that we have the highest cost per pupil and the worst results – and that it’s just unacceptable. That we, as the adults, have ‘13 years to get it right’ and it isn’t getting done at TPS. I wanted to stand up and do cartwheels! That is very true – we need to do a much better job with public education.

I was disappointed to hear Jack Ford and Lisa Sobecki. They both dropped many names that I’m sure are some power brokers or well known politicians – I don’t know who they are nor do I care.

The one thing I did make my mind up about is that I do not think we can afford to have any professional politicians involved in TPS at this time. Maybe later when things are more on an even keel we could handle one, but not now. Playing politics and being hooked into the political scene has landed us where we are today. And the candidates all agreed, we need change and right away.

I liked what the other two men had to say, Jobe and Mosley but they were limited in scope – Mr. Mosley (rightfully so) is very, very concerned with safety. Mr. Jobe has quite alot of teaching experience. So from their professional experiences it makes sense that they are strong in those areas – I think we need someone who’s well versed in what’s going on in the district. Who can provide real information and step by step solutions on how we can get this thing turned around.

Chris Myers had so much information to get out he tripped over his own tongue a few times – but it’s nice to see an enthusiastic and informed person try to get information out quickly. Lots to put out there. Like the MoU’s for the teachers pay raise that was NEVER voted on by the board.

And Cheryl was just fantastic. I just really appreciated what she had to say and that she had the courage to say it.

I was shocked that Mr. Ford used the forum to push for a COSI levy. Very disrespectful.