Will a large candidate field help Horace Tart's bid to stay on the school board?
That's Tart's thinking as it looks like there could be four or more candidates vying for the District 2 seat that includes Fuquay-Varina, Garner and Willow Spring.
Tart, a builder and developer, likes his chances because three of his opponents will probably be from Garner while he's from Fuquay-Varina. Sectional loyalties have been a longtime issue in District 2.
Then again, three of the four candidates who ran in 2005 lived in or near Fuquay-Varina. That didn't help the lone Garner candidate as Tart would up winning 53 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff.
In addition to Tart, John Tedesco, a vice president with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle, and Cathy Truitt, a retired Johnston County educator, filed to run on Monday.
Arnold Osborn, an insurance agent, has said he'll run in District 2.
It will be interesting to see who endorses Tart. In 2005, he had the support of the Wake County Republican Party, the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County, the Raleigh Area Board of Realtors, Assignment By Choice and the Wake County Taxpayers Association.
All four of the mentioned District 2 candidates are registered Republicans.
While a Democrat might run in District 2, it could put the Wake County Democratic Party in a tough spot. While Tart has questioned the diversity policy at times, he has more often than not been a supporter.
Wake Schools Community Alliance has not endorsed a candidate in District 2. Joe Ciullla, member of the group's steering committee, said it's still wide open as there are other people who are also considering running in District 2.
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Tedesco to secure key endorsements
Thu, 07/16/2009 - 00:09 — jjgabe30Recognizing our School Board desperately needs leaders like John Tedesco, it appears many are coming together to stand behind him.
In a press release dated 7/15, Arnie Osborne, previously announced candidate for District 2, announced he will step aside to endorse John Tedesco. Tedesco's site is www.4wakekids.com.
Mr. Osbornes press release quotes the following. "We must elect new School Board leaders who will put citizens first and make the sweeping changes needed to make our school system one we can be proud of. With John Tedesco’s filing for the District 2 School Board seat, I believe we have the right candidate to get that job done." http://www.test.arnieosborn.com/gpage7.html
We are also hearing word that with D-2 being the one endorsement left from the Alliance, Tedesco appears to be their man. Incumbent Tart has already been denounced by members of the Alliance, while entrenched long term educator, Cathy Truitt, has failed to earn their confidence with regard to her ability to secure change.
Similar sentiments have been echoed by Garner Mayor, Ronnie Williams. Locals anticipate Mayor Williams to follow Osborne and the Alliance with an August endorsement.