Election 2011: District 86 Candidates on Board Unity

If elected, how do you plan on working with other board members whose views you may disagree with?

My approach to discussion items has always been to have an open mind and encourage open and honest debate. Differing opinions are good for a board, as they allow for the opportunity to realize all facets of a topic, determine the effectiveness of those arguments and ultimately decide the best course of action for the district. Mutual respect for board members and their viewpoints is critical in the dialogue. When consensus has been reached, recognizing the majority opinion, accepting the decision and moving forward is imperative to the success of the board.  

As a new board, our job is to work together and make sure our schools function. Sometimes everyone does not agree, but the board needs to put their differences behind us. I would recommend having a board workshop to help start a dialogue and offer suggestions on how to work together. All board members would have to attend and have an open mind. 

I have generally been able to disagree without being disagreeable. When I have a differing point of view, I will state my case and let logic take its course. If in the minority on a vote, I will vote my conscience, accept the will of the majority and move on.

My legal practice has been largely in the field of litigation. As a litigator, it has been my responsibility to represent clients in contentious circumstances—and to achieve a resolution of disputes in a way most beneficial to my clients. Sometimes that means carrying a case through to a bitterly disputed conclusion—in a formal trial situation—but more often it means finding an accommodation with opposing parties. That experience has prepared me well for both pursuing my values and principles with conviction, and to recognize an opportunity for advancing values and principles while—at the same time—allowing for the accommodation of the interests of others.

In any disagreement with another board member, therefore, it is necessary to analyze the issue(s) in order to understand both my underlying concerns and my counterpart’s most serious concerns. If there is room for both to be advanced by a compromise, it should be negotiated. If there is not, it is necessary to articulate the reasons why compromise is unworkable, then to stand my ground. Once having made that decision, it is important that the reasoning be communicated to the community so that its members may also be informed.

As an attorney with 20 years of experience in labor and employment law, I am highly skilled in the areas of advocacy, negotiation and mediation. I will utilize these skills to courteously listen, consider, talk, negotiate and, if necessary, mediate issues. A two party system roots our democracy. All views are necessary and critical to successful governance. If there is no dissent, a school board will merely be a "go along, get along" rubber stamp with no meaningful oversight authority. After the vote is cast, win, lose or draw… the matter has been decided and the process prevails. 

My agenda, if that is what you want to call it, is most simple. I want our superintendent to hire the best possible staff, be cost efficient, provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students, run a transparent and open district, and require all district personnel to treat every student, staff member, parent, and community member with civility and respect. I don’t think any other board member can object to those parameters. Additionally, the litigious nature of the current board needs to stop. The district as a first line of reaction needs to end the practice of litigation and instead attempt to find common ground, especially when dealing with our most needy students, the special education population.