This should end any speculation about who the Wake Schools Community Alliance will endorse for the District 8 seat on the Wake County school board.
In a Tuesday night press release, WSCA announced it was backing school board chairman Ron Margiotta in his re-election bid. This comes after there has been some speculation whether WSCA would, like in District 3, back someone not being endorsed by the Wake County Republican Party.
The press release touts how "some notable progress has been made toward the goals of WSCA and stakeholders across Wake County" since 2009, including:
* Ending the use of socioeconomic diversity as a factor in filling seats at magnet and year-round schools.
* Protecting teaching jobs when making budget cuts.
* Reversing some of the year-round school conversions and placing some other multi-track schools on a single-track calendar.
* Implementing the use of EVAAS.
* Hiring of Superintendent Tony Tata.
"Much effort has gone into driving these positive changes, and over the past two years we have seen special interest groups who have fought this progress every step of the way," according to the WSCA. "Indeed, these groups still use all means at their disposal to gain the influence in our school system that they could not achieve at the ballot box. We cannot afford for our system to go backwards to policies which bused students instead of educating them, which made jobs in central office a priority over jobs in the classroom, and which fractured families by forcing them to send their children to schools on different calendars.
To help keep Wake County schools moving forward, WSCA is pleased to endorse Ron Margiotta for School Board District 8, and we ask the support of our membership and community in helping Mr. Margiotta get re-elected."
(Sorry about the delay in posting. I was out sick on Wednesday.)
Comments
From your comments it seems
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 11:56 — saragalazinFrom your comments it seems to me that some people say that Mansfield has more knowledge of the sysem than Losurdo, but you have not commented on whether they differ on issues and what those issues may be. It also seems that Mansfield supported Maggiorta, but it seems that he's supporting Losurdo. Why is the favor not being returned?
this could work against her
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 13:09 — EBDarcyI think Mansfield serving on the board is hands-down better than Losurdo. But her visible support of Ron and company may work against her. Many people disapprove of their agenda and especially their behavior. So she has a thin line to walk. She can't seem to be in agreement with them too much or she turns off some voters. But many Republicans won't vote for her if she seems much less committed to the GOP agenda than Losurdo. It is going to be an interestig race.
You account for a few
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 15:34 — FSandYOUhowever, many more approve of Ron and the sometimes majority. If you think the few supporters Billy can bus to the polls, or Brannon can press release into action, will make a difference in this election, I think you need more rest.
From what you've both said
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 11:06 — saragalazinFrom what you've both said it seems like the only difference between Losurdo & Mansfield is your perception of who can get elected. What I want to know is whether there are any differences on any issues? Can you please be specific?
What issues do Mansfield &
Fri, 07/08/2011 - 19:16 — saragalazinWhat issues do Mansfield & Losurdo differ on?
The major difference
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 07:54 — woodstockThe major difference currently is their respective understanding of what it takes to get elected. Either, of course, is preferable to Hill, but only one -- Losurdo -- has the ability to acquire the campaign support to win. During the campaign stage, a debate including Mansfield and Losurdo would mostly involve nodding in agree with each other. However, over the long haul if Mansfield gets elected, her allegiance to the Democrats will begin to erode her committment to neighborhood schools and we will likely have another Goldman on the board flip-flopping on the issues.
Here is the break down:
Hill = failed status quo
Losurdo = continued family-frendly change with a focus on student achievement
Mansfield = Goldman-like uncertainty that "leans" toward the status quo
Really, woodhead, you are in
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 09:35 — CaryCurmudgeonReally, woodhead, you are in no position to talk policy differences between Mansfield and Losordo because you don't know Mansfield and Losordo has no policy other than she's a Republican. Exactly who is running Losordo's campaign and how many contests have they won? From what I've seen so far, the campaign is not very professional (see her latest youtube video, which was painful to watch). As an aside, I find it interesting that Heather Losordo has chosen to partner up with Marti Hampton, and well-known realtor. Don't Hampton and Diana Bader run in the same circles?
If you want to speculate what will happen over the long haul, so will I. Over the long haul, Mansfield will continue to listen to her supporters and make good on her promises. Losordo will do whatever the Republican party tells her to do. Mansfield has no political aspirations beyond serving on the school board. Losordo was Republican Party president, and clearly a stint on the school board is a stepping stone in her political career. The last thing we need on the school board is a politico that knows jack about our system.
Here is the breakdown:
Hill = back to the past
Losordo = Johnny come lately trying to cash in on neighborhood schools movement
Mansfield = Long time schools advocate
The comparison you try to draw with Goldman is far more applicable to Losordo. Just like Goldman, Losordo has a relatively short track record in schools. Both Goldman and Losordo were active members of the Republican party organization. We knew every little about either before their campaigns. Mansfield, on the other hand, has a years-long track record of advocating for parents -- with her, at least we know what we're getting.
Woodhead, you say in your own post that Mansfield would be preferable to Hill. Do you really think it is smart to spend the next 90 days going back and forth in a candidate bashing contest between Mansfield and Losordo, or would that time be better spent contrasting the differences between both of them and Kevin Hill?
LOL You can be an insulting
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 09:50 — woodstockLOL You can be an insulting whack job troll all you want, it is not going to change the outcome of the election.
BTW, who did I bash? YOU seem to be the one intent on bashing? I am talking about electability and where allegiances may be. Mansfield is a Democrat for a reason and we know where that party stands on the issues... they stand with Barber, Gatewood, Brannon, Bader, Evans, Martin et al.
Woodstock is a schoolyard bully..
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 09:55 — paulastamWoodstock, your name calling and rush to belittle people is SAD - try to disagree more with folks without all the extra nasty nonsense. You don't even hesitate to bully or "bash" women in this online forum - I have been witness to that...
Paula, "Independent, Fair & Speaking Up for MY Kids."
Is carycurmudgeon a woman? I
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 10:06 — woodstockIs carycurmudgeon a woman? I had no idea. It is hard to tell judging from her anonymous moniker. It is interesting that you ignored her insults... but that does not fit into your mission, does it?
Well,
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 17:45 — paulastam...at least CaryC generally tries to make sense. Woodie you lose me. I want to understand you but your constant name calling and denigrating people means your message, whatever it may be, gets lost everytime.
Paula, "Independent, Fair & Speaking Up for MY Kids."
I only really care if the
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 18:17 — woodstockI only really care if the smart rational folks get it, and I know they do, so...
Woodhead, you are truly too
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 11:12 — CaryCurmudgeonWoodhead, you are truly too stupid to know when to shut up and stop typing. Your post above also shows you are a liar, as you know that Mansfield is an Independent. Don't you realize that when you post lies like this you undermine what little credibility you might have in your other posts? And nobody's going to buy your lame attempt to link Mansfield to those people. BTW, where were you when the OCR came down here and had their public hearing? You posted here that you were going to show up and speak out for community schools. Did you get tied up at one of your survivalist meetings? And where was your candidate Losordo that night, why couldn't she make it there to speak in favor of community schools? Bunko night? Mansfield was there, speaking on behalf of all of us who want community schools.
Whack job troll? That term would generally apply to someone who posts as an anonymous coward, demonstrates an extremist perspective on issues, and posts outrageous lies and innuendo.... look in the mirror.
If people like you are representative of the kind of supporters Losordo has, then I don't think she has much of a chance in this election. The overwhelming majority of voters will never read the WakeEd blog, and since you're only capable of cowardly trolling here, I don't see you making much of an impact on October 11th.'
Ooops, almost forgot, LOL.
Dude, you really need to
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 14:34 — woodstockDude, you really need to settle down before you keel over. Your increasingly creepy frothing at the mouth rhetoric epitomizes the "truly-too-stupid-to-know-when-to-shut-up-and-stop-typing" approach you so lamely are trying to pin on me.
Your post above also shows you are a liar, as you know that Mansfield is an Independent.
Yes, she is technically an Independent, but it was widely reported -- as you well know -- that Mansfield aligns herself with ("leans" toward) Democrats. Since she is running for the school board, it only makes sense she would lean toward the party that shares her views on school issues.
That's cool, I have some
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 15:36 — CaryCurmudgeonThat's cool, I have some spare time.....
Folks, take a look at this video:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2250748993224&comments
Ask yourself whether you want this person on our school board. She is running for school board because she is a frustrated mother, no mention of serving our community and helping other kids? I'm not a big fan of the NCAE, but it sounds like Losordo wants to give them a seat at the school board table! Her exact words were about needing to remedy teachers' "not being at the table for policy-making." I for one do not want teachers or administrators to make policy, that's why we elect a school board. We should vote for Losordo so our property values improve?? Do you also find yourself wondering where she thinks "home" is, if it is not Wake County?
Note that the interview was done with Marti Hampton, a well-known Realtor in the Raleigh area. Historically, business people in the real estate and development lobby have supported pro-busing candidates because they liked having poor kids spread around. Why is Heather Losordo palling around with realtors? Does she spend time with Diana Bader too? Losordo has also spoken at Tea Party rallies, do you think she is trying to play both sides so she can get elected?
Like I said, woodhead, you don't know when to shut up and stop typing. You know that a Mansfield vs. Losordo debate is not productive, yet your ego won't let you keep sight of the bigger cause. But as long as you keep spewing lies, I'm going to keep correcting you. You're makin Kevin Hill's day, keep it up dummy.
Really? What lies are those?
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 15:54 — woodstockWhat lies are those? Please explain. Mansfield said she aligns with Democrats. In fact, she made that point very clear in the media. I believed her when she said that, didn't you? Are you actually doubting her? Do you really want another wishy-washy board member like Goldman?
Do you really think your insulting and bullying manner is an effective marketing approach for your candidate? You are sounding more and more angry and unstable with each post.
Interesting argument
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 20:26 — Dove314"Do you really think your insulting and bullying manner is an effective marketing approach for your candidate"
You are far more insulting and bullying than CC, why don't you answer the question yourself as a promoter of RM; HL; and all things Republican, but then you are not trying to market anything are you, having historically and repeatedly denied any official roles or relationships with any and all WCPSS campaigns?
Well, Dove, you certainly
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 21:11 — woodstockWell, Dove, you certainly have a right to your opinion and to express it. Here is how carycurmudgeon reacted when I expressed mine:
"...you are truly too stupid to know when to shut up and stop typing."
This makes me think your opinion is based more on your feelings about our respective philosophical differences than the actual facts.
..
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 09:15 — Dove314Not sure that is valid as I disagree just as much with CC as with you. As you cite CC's quote, here a few of your own for comparison:
LOL Wow, I have a fan who
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 09:46 — woodstockLOL Wow, I have a fan who apparently clings to my every word. Cool... I think. You are not a stalker are you?
I don't have to worry about
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 17:26 — CaryCurmudgeonI don't have to worry about sounding angry and unstable as long as you're around (LOL, race-hustlng, etc.).
You lied, period. You posted that Jennifer Mansfield is a Democrat, she is not. You can check www.wakegov.com to verify it.
BTW, there is nothing wrong with being a Democrat. Do you condemn Mayor Ronnie Williams because he is a Democrat? Mr. Williams has been a steadfast supporter of school reform, I'd hate to think that you'd write him off hecause he had a "D" in fron of his name. Rolesville Mayor Frank Eagles is a Democrat, and he's another strong supporter of community schools -- Should we shun him because he is a Democrat? On a local level, there are plenty of Democrat voters who support community schools. They may not support your right-wing tea party agenda at a national level, but here in Wake County they do value having kids go to school close to home. Do you care about what's happening here, or are you just looking to drum up support for next year?
I really think you show your ignorance here. You imply that there is something wrong with not being a Republican. Only 36% of D3 voters are Republicans. Are the other 64% misguided or just flat out wrong? Do they need your guidance to understand the path to academic success?
Do you really think your insulting and bullying manner is an effective marketing approach for your candidate?
I'm not trying to market any candidate. Jennifer Mansfield markets herself. She has earned support from the right and from the left. Other than you and one other poster on this forum, I have not seen a single poster claim that Losordo is a better candidate than Mansfield. And your only claim to Losordo being a better candidate lies in your theory that she is "more electable." Sorry, but that's not much to go on. On the other hand, I have seen many posters express their support for Mansfield including members of WCTA. Sorry, "dude," but your opinion is just not relevant.
Again, you can shut up now and stop typing, or you can make it easier for Kevin Hill toget elected. Up to you.
You posted that Jennifer
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 18:32 — woodstockYou posted that Jennifer Mansfield is a Democrat, she is not.
Oh brother, not again. Really? I used Mansfield's own words, she "leans" toward Democrats. She is running for the school board, so it only makes sense that she would "lean" toward the party that aligns with her on school issues. Is that really so hard to understand. Did she think the question had to do with her position on wet land tree frogs? She seems as smart as Losurdo, so I doubt that. Why didn't she say she "leaned" toward the Republican position on school issues? One more time for you, she is running for a seat on the SCHOOL BOARD... so I want her to align with the party that supports school reform not the party that supports the failed status quo and Barberesque race-hustling. I've had enough flip-flopping from Goldman, I do not want to invite more from an uncertain candidate.
There is NOTHING at all wrong with not being a Republican. (Some of my
bestgood friends are non-Republicans) There IS something wrong, however, with saying you align with the Democrats when you are running for the school board and asking pro-neighborhood school supporters for their vote.As for Hill's chances at success, it was Mansfield -- apparently at your urging -- that introduced a third (and unelectable) candidate into the mix.
Finally, if my opinion is not relevant, why are you fighting so hard to keep me from expressing it?
Pfft...
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 08:47 — Bob_SconceYou are trying to read between lines that aren't there. Jenman's been a common-sense voice in the schools (and on this blog) for a long time. It's utterly silly to assert that she's some sort of closet NAACP puppet -- if that were actually the case, then it certainly would have come out long before now.
Personally, I don't really care whether our school board members agree with Barry O or Johnny B on raising the debt ceiling or balancing the federal budget or with Puddin' or Skipper on redistricting. I do care that they have a deep familiarity with the school district, understand its issues and have a strong desire to make WCPSS work better for the families in the district. Mansfield clearly has all three of those qualities.
When did I ever say
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 09:26 — woodstockWhen did I ever say Mansfield was a puppet of the NAACP? I am just questioning her stated commitment to Democrats as someone running for the school board. If she was running for another office I could understand a comment like that, but since the Democrat Party stands with Barber, Gatewood, Brannon, Martin, Evans, Meeker, etc., on school issues -- and she is running for the school board -- I am very concerned.
...
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 09:30 — SideburnsLet's not forget that CaryCurmudge has clearly stated in correspondence that WSCA will support Mansfield in D3 even if it meant giving Hill a better chance at winning.
Another interesting note, Losurdo indicated she was intereseted in running for the D3 School Board seat when she signed up on the WSCA email list back in 2009. So, it is untrue for WSCA to claim they were surprised when Losurdo announced her intentions.
Couldn't resist, eh
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 10:30 — CaryCurmudgeonCouldn't resist, eh Allison? Several of us had conversations with Ms. Losordo this year and she was adamant that she was not running. Her announcement came as a shock to us.
Interesting. Not too
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 09:59 — woodstockInteresting. Not too surprising, however, as I've noticed considerable distortion of the truth coming from that organization of late. Too bad too, at one point WSCA was a legitimate organization with a knowledgable, passionate, caring and supportive membership that seemed to have a good mission. Wonder why they shifted their focus? Heck, their leader even spent weeks making petty and pointless criticisms of a candidate they now claim to endorse. LOL That is not exactly reflective of an organization that understands what they are about.
Feel free to trash WSCA all
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 10:35 — CaryCurmudgeonFeel free to trash WSCA all you want, you only make yourself look more like a bullying dolt.
On another point, do you have a job? It occurs to me that you spend more time all day posting on this blog than anything else. I pop in now and then, and usually there are ten posts from you (all saying literally the same thing Dude, LOL, race-hustling, Barber/Brannon/Goodmn,Badger, etc.) since my last visit.
Are you retired, or just unemployed?
Try to stay on topic,
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 11:07 — woodstockTry to stay on topic, please. I am not denigrating WSCA, I am raising questions based on what I see. Are you denying what I say?
Also, I am certainly not sharing personal information with you. Your attempts to intimidate and insult as well as demand what folks can or cannot comment on are getting a little too creepy for me. However, as someone who seems to becoming quite a prolific troll on this forum, I could ask the same questions of you.
..
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 15:17 — Dove314"Your attempts to intimidate and insult as well as demand what folks can or cannot comment on are getting a little too creepy for me."
Then why do you exhibit the same behavoir you find creepy or offensive in others (e.g. looking for blog posters on the Wake county voter rolls; acting the prolific troll)?
I guess I am just easily
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 15:29 — woodstockI guess I am just easily influenced by the negative behaviors of others. Maybe I need to work on that... I will add that to my personal improvement plan.
However, I will say I have never demanded anyone to shut up. I respect free speech too much for that. In fact, I invited our imposter, "Paula" to expound on his views and to share even more of his brilliant insight with us.
Really, woodhead, are you
Sat, 07/09/2011 - 23:56 — CaryCurmudgeonReally, woodhead, are you that dense?
I used Mansfield's own words
No, you made up your own words and called her something she is not.
She seems as smart as Losurdo,
Actually, she's quite a bit smarter than Losordo, just watch the video.
Why didn't she say she "leaned" toward the Republican position on school issues?
Who awarded neighborhood schools to the Republicans? As you yourself have pointed out, there is bipartisan support for neighborhood schools, so this is not a Republican party position. Frankly, until the 2009 elections, the Republican party didn't give a darn about the school board. Since then, you and people like you have been looking to capitalize on a grass-roots neighborhood schools movement to put more Republicans/Conservatives in office.
so I want her to align with the party that supports school reform not the party that supports the failed status quo and Barberesque race-hustling.
I can't tell you how relieved I am that you were able to fit "race-hustling" into this thread, I'm still waiting for your "LOL." We do not need leaders who will "align with" political party ideologies, we need leaders who will align with the voters that elect them.
I've had enough flip-flopping from Goldman, I do not want to invite more from an uncertain candidate.
Finally, something we can agree on 100%. Jennifer Mansfield is a known quantity. She has been blogging for years, and has compiled a respectable resume of advocating for reform in our schools. Losordo and Goldman come from similar backgrounds, and Losordo has ZERO track record as far as schools are concerned. Who knows where she will end up on key issues?
There is NOTHING at all wrong with not being a Republican.
There is nothing wrong with being a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Unaffiliated (I do have a problem with communists).
There IS something wrong, however, with saying you align with the Democrats when you are running for the school board and asking pro-neighborhood school supporters for their vote.
There's that density again, making lead look like it can float on air. Let me refresh your memory....
Goldman: Republican
Tart: Republican
Head: Republican
Goldman, in particular, seems to "align with Democrats" better than some of the Democrats on the Board, and she's a Republican! Don't you remember how she not only stopped the student assignment task force, but in doing so also called the ethics of the rest of the board into question. This is a woman who used to be a Republican party officer!!! And you think voters should trust another Republican party officer (ie. Losordo) just because she's also a Republican??? Sorry, but given a choice between Mansfield who has a years-long track record of advocating for community schools, and Losordo who is a Republican, I think I'll stick with a known quantity.
As for Hill's chances at success, it was Mansfield -- apparently at your urging -- that introduced a third (and unelectable) candidate into the mix.
Woodhead, anonymous cowards like you have no business casting stones at people like Jennifer Mansfield, you don't even have the guts to use your own name. Jennifer Mansfield decided on her own to run for school board. I support her 100%, so does WSCA. Wake County is very fortunate to have her as a candidate. Again, you're lying, because you have no idea who might have "urged" Jennifer to run, and it certainly wasn't me. With folks like you supporting her, there's no doubt that Losordo is the unelectable candidate in this contest, especially with your continued insistence that she should receive votes simply because she's a Republican.
Finally, if my opinion is not relevant, why are you fighting so hard to keep me from expressing it?
You're welcome to express your opinion, as I am mine. As far as I'm concerned, your opinion doesn't count for squat. You'd probably say the same about me. But you are nothing more than a cowardly blogger who is afraid to go out into the real world and try to make a difference. Problem is, you keep posting lies here, and there might be one or two folks out there who read your posts and don't realize what a partisan robot you are, so I'm inclined to call you on your BS.
Would you like to take another look at that youtube video again?
ps: LOL
Once again, no lies.
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 09:18 — woodstockOnce again, no lies. Mansfield very clearly stated she "leans" toward Democrats and she said it in the context of someone running for the school board. Are you saying she did not say it and was misquoted, or that she misspoke? Which is it, Einstein? You seem to be trying deperately to deny she said it, so my conclusion is that you are trying to cover that up. Why? What is wrong with leaning toward the Democrat Party and running for the school board?
I don't get why are you trying to get me to "shut up" as you ramble on nearly incoherently. Had you merely "permitted" me to express my views you would not now find yourself engaged in a running dialog where you get pwned over and over and over again. Is it because the entire oppsition to school reform in Wake County is coming from left-wing status quo Democrats like Barber, Gatewood, Goodmon (and his media empire), Brannon, Wright, Meeker, Martin, Evans et al, and the Democrat Party itself.
You are right about one thing, Goldman does indeed seem to "lean" toward the Democrats on far too may occasions. That is one reason I am especially concened about someone like Mansfield who would admit up-front during a campaign that she too "leans" toward Democrat ideals.
Hey woodhead. Nope, you
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 10:14 — CaryCurmudgeonHey woodhead.
Nope, you lied. You said she's a democrat, she's not.
Are you saying she did not say it and was misquoted, or that she misspoke?
No, actually I'm saying you lied and continue to do so. She stated that she leaned democrat on national issues, you stated she is a democrat. If you can't understand the difference between the two then you're beyond help.
I don't get why are you trying to get me to "shut up"
I've participated on this blog a long time, much longer than you. You showed up around the last school board election peddling your message of conservatism taking back our schools. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. But the truth is, I'm sick of your endless abusive posts which have helped chase away what was once a large group of active posters. I'm sick of your lies and innuendo, trying to start idiotic rumors about people being "aligned with Barber, etc." It's not my blog, and you have the same rights I do to post your opinion -- you keep posting yours and I'll keep posting mine.
If I were you I'd be more worried about Losordo. Both her and Goldman were political party officers, and both are clearly motivated by political ambition. In both cases, we had no school reform track record from either of them other than them being angry about how their own kids were treated. Just watch that youtube video (if it hasn't been pulled down by now) and imagine that person on the school board.
ps: LOL, dude
You're exactly right, CC.
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 11:07 — virginiadareYou're exactly right, CC. Jenman has never been remotely in agreement with Barber or any of the other Democrats Woodstock has accused her of aligning with. In our many debates on the subject in this forum, she has repeatedly defended and stood up for Republicans. She has aligned with the Wake County Taxpayers Association in trying to defeat the 2006 bond, as well as aligning (along with WSCA) with far-right-leaning Republicans such as Margiotta, Tedesco, Skip Stam, Republican county commissioners, and others who do not whole-heartedly support public education, which I have repeatedly argued is a dangerous thing to do.
So, you are saying Jennifer
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 12:18 — woodstockSo, you are saying Jennifer Mansfield aligns with Republicans... the party of achievement-focused school reform, neighborhood schools and family friendly polices and practices. That is interesting news indeed. It just adds to the confusion as to why she would publicly claim to "lean" toward the Democrats.
Mansfield is running for the school board, why would she "lean" toward the party that opposes her on school issues and that supports Barber? Do you see the root of the confusion? It just doesn't make any sense. Hopefully, moving forward, Mansfield will provide some clarification on where she really stands and who she aligns with.
LOL In one breadth you said
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 10:37 — woodstockLOL In one breadth you said my posts are irrelevant, pure BS and only two people read them, now I chased away a whole network of posters. Which is it? You really need to get your story straight. Personally, I doubt that I have that degree of power and tend to agree that only a handful of folks pay attention to this forum.
And, again, I never said Mansfield was a Democrat, I said -- as she herself noted publicly -- that she aligns with their ideals. Since she is running for the school board, it is reasonable to assume that those ideas have to do with school issues. Otherwise, why even bring that matter up? If she misspoke or was misquoted, maybe she can clear that matter up in future public comments.
It is particularly interesting that you mention being abusive as you repeatedly call me names and command me to "shut up." Perhaps you need to take a glance into the mirror.
And, again, I never said
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 14:48 — jeffrey1And, again, I never said Mansfield was a Democrat
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/wakeed/wsca-endorses-ron-margiotta-for-school-board#comment-227013
where you said:
Mansfield is a Democrat for a reason
PWNED.
I clarified that comment at
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 15:17 — woodstockI clarified that comment at least a dozen times. Thank you for the opportunity to do it yet again. Mansfield publically stated that she "leans" toward the Democrats, which is very odd considering she claims to support the Republicans on the BoE and the Republican Party position on Wake County school issues. If you are confused and I am confused about where she stands, I am sure others are too. That is why folks who seek family-friendly neighborhood school policies should vote for Heather Losurdo. She does not try to deceive voters or attempt to disguise where she stands in issues.
It is interesting how so many Democrats are trying to distance themselves from the Democrat Party when it comes to school issues in Wake County. I understand it for use, but still, it is interesting.
Your clarification does not
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 15:45 — jeffrey1Your clarification does not somehow erase the fact that you made a mistake when you claimed she was a Democrat. Just be a man, and admit you made a mistake.
But here's my main concern:
I am a registered Democrat. I have fought for school assignment reform since 2001. That's 10+ years of fighting for families, neighborhoods, proximity, and stability. I was an officer in the organization Assignment By Choice. I gave countless hours traveling the county, speaking to citizens about the need to reform school assignment in Wake County. I appeared on local and national media, had face to face meetings with Bill McNeal, Ramey Beavers (former head of Growth Management), the Wake Ed Partnership, and many others. I have never waivered from the fact that we need proximity and stability in school assignment.
Yes I lean left on several national issues. But I voted for a Republican in the 2009 board elections because I am an issues oriented voter. It's disconcerting that I would be written off by you if I were to become a candidate for the school board.
WCSA is an organization that reached out to all citizens that were disenfranchised by the failed diversity policy in Wake County Schools. They did not care about party affiliation. WCSA is THE reason that the diversity policy has been abandoned. Yes the 4 new elected members of the board are Republicans, but that's not the reason they won. Democrat voters outnumber Republican voters in most districts. The newly elected members won because voters -- both Democrat and Republican -- wanted change in school assignment practices.
Finally, past members of the board should indicate that party affiliation is not a prerequisite to neighborhood schools. Bill Fletcher, Tom Oxholme, Patti Head, Carol Parker, and others were Republicans that staunchly supported the old diversity policy.
Me and my views are not the
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 16:51 — woodstockMe and my views are not the issue. Perhaps you should be concerned about why the party you belong to -- the Democrats -- are supporting and funding the rabid, race-hustling opposition led by Barber, Gatewood, Brannon, Goodmon, Martin, Evans, etc., some of whom are actually suing the school system. Yes, there have been some RINOs who defected, including current board member Debra Goldman, however, not even one Democrat BoE member or candidate has ever supported the reform you support. Never, not once! That makes me very suspicious of Mansfield who made a point of saying she leans toward the Democrats. If you ran for the BoE, would you run on a plaform that included saying you sided with the Democrats? I am guessing you would not.
As for WSCA, I acknowledged they did some very good things in the past. But they seem to have changed their focus; perhaps their spokesperson went rogue and is sending the wrong message. I don't understand why WSCA -- or maybe it's just their leader -- routinely makes petty and repeated criticisms of the pro-reform BoE members whom they supposedly support... especially Margiotta... and they now claim to endorse him. That makes no sense to me whatsoever and it leaves me wondering what they are up to.
Perhaps you should be
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 17:54 — jeffrey1Perhaps you should be concerned about why the party you belong to -- the Democrats -- are supporting and funding the rabid, race-hustling opposition led by Barber, Gatewood, Brannon, Goodmon, Martin, Evans, etc., some of whom are actually suing the school system.
Yet more evidence that you are so entrenched in political identity, that you can't see the forest through the trees. I can still be a Democrat and vehemently disagree with Barber et al.
I can turn the tables on you and suggest that you should be concerned about why some in the party you belong to also support the extreme views of people like Ted Kaczynski, Eric Rudolph, and David Duke. But that would be silly.
If I ran for BOE, I would not hide the fact that I am a Democrat (How could you possibly hide that in today's climate). I would spell out my views on all school related issues. If you don't want to vote for me based on my views on taxes, abortion, the 2nd amendment, etc., then frankly, that's a vote that I don't want or need.
It is easy to support Margiotta, and still be critical of how he has governed. Perhaps a more seasoned leader might have avoided some of the fireworks of the past two years. Gen Tata supports proximity and stability in student assignment, agrees that the days of diversity busing are behind us, but has still managed to bring some calming to the divide in Wake County. Perhaps if it was Tata representing Distirct 8 instead of Margiotta, we might be much further along. Sure that's critical of Margiotta, but it does not mean that I don't support him.
The days of blind loyalty (or alienation) to anyone based on their identity is best left to schoolyard playgrounds.
What?!! LOL When has
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 19:34 — woodstockWhat?!! LOL When has the Republican Party ever provided support for or agreed with Ted Kaczynski, Eric Rudolph, and David Duke.
Since you love to parse
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 20:02 — jeffrey1Since you love to parse words (still waiting for you to admit you erred by calling Mansfield a Democrat), what I actually said was:
...some in the party you belong to also support the extreme views of people like Ted Kaczynski, Eric Rudolph, and David Duke.
Look - you like to point out liberal radicals and associate them with all Democrats. All I've done is turn the tables on you. There are plenty of right wing radicals out there. Republicans are generally pro-life and support pro-life activists. Well one of those activists blew up an abortion clinic. But it's silly to think that all Republican board candidates support Eric Rudolph, just like it's silly to think that all Democratic board candidates support William Barber.
When has the Democratic
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 19:56 — danofncWhen has the Democratic party provided any support for Jennifer Mansfield? That's the point.
The guys he named all consider themselves part of the far-right of the GOP, so by your reckoning that makes them in lockstep with the party, since the fact that the NAACP, etc. is considered Democratic makes anyone else who is D in lockstep with them.
You can't have it both ways. Well, you can't have it both ways and have any credibility.
You can support someone and
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 17:15 — danofncYou can support someone and not blindly follow them. I think that's where WSCA is with Margiotta. He's done enough, in their eyes, to benefit the schools to overcome the warts they see in some of his actions.
Your constant harping about Mansfield's Democrat-lean is tiresome. I'm pretty sure that was in response to a question about national politics, not school board politics. I don't think anyone should care where she stands on taxes, abortion, gay marriage or the debt ceiling when the topic at hand is the school board.
She has stated her views about school issues quite often here on the blog....for quite some time. For you to constantly pretend that she hasn't been clear is crazy. Based on the way you've talke about her, you should be railing against Losurdo for posting a video with a Realtor who openly talks about how schools can impact property values. A couple of years ago, I'm pretty sure you would have called that "code" for supporting the diversity policy.
well-said!
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 17:20 — CaryCurmudgeonwell-said!
Slow day at the retirement
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 17:10 — CaryCurmudgeonSlow day at the retirement home, woodhead? I go a measly six hours without checking the blog and I've missed so many of your insightful posts that it will take hours to catch up.
The only person on the face of the earth who is making a campaign issue about Jennifer Mansfield leaning Democrat on national issues is......................wait for it....................................
still waiting.....................................
Y O U !!
And, you continue to ignore the fact that at a local level her views are consistently in support of community schools. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for her opponents. We know Hill is against community schools, and all we know about Losordo is that she wants to get elected and she's just passing through Wake County (see the youtube video). Aren't you worried that her and Goldman used to be BFF's?
race-hustling opposition led by Barber, Gatewood, Brannon, Goodmon, Martin, Evans, etc..
What about Bader, or are you now in cahoots with her? I'm also concerned that you left out Ann Shearon -- how should that be interpreted?
On another note, I find your recent criticism of General Tata to be quite disturbing. The General was brought in by board members who support community schools. You have repeatedly criticized his handling of developing a student assignment plan, as well has his management of communications with outside race-hustling organizations. How can you criticize Tata and still claim to support the people who hired him. I think you've gone a bit rogue and you're sending the wrong message. This makes no sense to me whatsoever and it leaves me wondering what you are up to.
LOL, dude!!!
Here's your logical fallacy:
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 11:04 — Apexter"And, again I never said Mansfield was a Democrat, I said -- as she herself noted publicly -- that she aligns with their ideals. Since she is running for the school board, it is reasonable to assume that those ideas have to do with school issues."
Here's your logical fallacy, Woodstock. You're incorrect in assuming that all voters have such fierce partisan ties to their registered party (or even the party to which they "lean") that they are incapable of believing anything that falls outside the party line, or having independent thought outside that party line. While the fierce "My party, right or wrong" loyalty may be what is required to get a politician to the highest levels of public office, I don't feel that this fierce loyalty is typical of the typical voter. If it were, we'd just have to count up the voters registered to each party at election time and just hand over the crown to the candidate that had the majority of members registered to their party and not even bother to hold the vote.
Jenn has put in a huge amount of sweat equity in understanding the system, pointing out the major problems, and attempting to educate a very hostile audience about the flaws in the old WCPSS policies. Her actions are powerful evidence that she has genuine concern for equity in WCPSS schools, and has the ability to study the issues and evaluate them for herself. Since her opponent, Hill, is sure to get the Democratic party support, she is not at all beholden to the Democratic party. Since she has tirelessly worked at pointing out the inequities that the local Democratic party has been trying to protect, it is irrational to assume that she would somehow become a puppet to this group.
If your primary concern is to make sure that Kevin Hill is not re-elected in District 3, you should be very pleased to see that Jennifer Mansfield is running for School Board. While not all of us are partisan voters, I do believe that the actions of the Republican party --- not just at the school board level, but also at the State level, who have cut school boards too deeply while adding on unfunded mandates such as the 185 day school year --- have upset a number of voters who do tend to follow their party ties. There are a number of voters in District 3 who have seen Hill's tone-deafness and lack of leadership and want him out of office, but could not stomach voting for a fiercely-avowed Republican partisan like Losurdo. This may very well take this election to a run-off, but I for one am quite happy to increase the viable options for a "Not Kevin Hill" vote. ( For the record, I think Jennifer Mansfield is one of the most informed and exciting candidates for school board to show up in years, and far more than just a "Not Hill" candidate, but at the very least even you should recognize her ability to capture some votes that would never be available to Losurdo.)
My concern is not that
Sun, 07/10/2011 - 12:05 — woodstockMy concern is not that Mansfield will become a puppet, my concern that in the long-term her publically stated allegiance to the Democrats -- where her true political inclinations are -- will begin to erode her committment to the family-friendly core concepts that the board majority -- all Republicans -- and their supporters fought so hard for.