I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent letters endorsing Joe Edens and Ardy Gonyer by current school board members Ginny Stewart and Jill Carr, who are not seeking re-election. Their support for non-incumbent candidates raises important questions about the rationale behind this decision, the motivation behind the decision, and its potential implications for our local education system.
Our community holds public education in the highest regard, and the individuals entrusted with overseeing it have immense power to influence the quality and direction of our schools. While I respect the right of any citizen, including current school board members, to endorse a candidate they believe will serve the community’s best interests, there are some key considerations to remember.
Transparency and Accountability: One of the foundations of a healthy democracy is transparency. The citizens of Bowling Green have made it clear that transparency is essential, and each candidate mentioned this in their talking points at the League of Women Voters event last week. Citizens rely on their elected officials and board members to make decisions that are informed, impartial, and untainted by ulterior motives. When sitting board members endorse not one but two candidates who are not the incumbent seeking re-election, it gives me pause. Why? Is their goal to leverage these two endorsements to further their agenda, even though they are no longer sitting board members?
Additionally, Ms. Stewart and Ms. Carr should have mentioned the potential conflict of interest Mr. Edens would have IF elected; his wife has a leadership role with the teacher’s union. Mr. Edens would need to recuse himself from any contractual discussions (and vote) related to the teacher’s union. Where is the transparency? Indeed, Ms. Stewart and Ms. Carr had to know of this potential conflict yet still gave Mr. Edens a resounding endorsement. And Mr. Eden himself has not addressed this potential conflict of interest himself.
Qualifications and Experience: Incumbent candidates have had the opportunity to accumulate valuable experience and insights into the intricacies of our school system. When the decision to endorse a non-incumbent candidate over an incumbent is made, it should be grounded in a transparent assessment of the qualifications, ideas, and vision they bring to the table. The endorsement should be accompanied by a clear, detailed explanation of why these qualifications are preferable. Mr. Goyner appears qualified to lead as a school board member, as Ms. Stewart and Ms. Carr carefully outlined in their endorsement letter. However, the endorsement of Mr. Edens references only their “personal experience” of working with him. They fail to outline specifics.
Diversity of Opinions: A healthy democracy thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives. To maintain a balanced school board that ensures all voices are heard, endorsing a non-incumbent candidate must be evaluated within the broader context of the board’s composition and whether it enhances or diminishes this diversity. As the incumbent, Ms. Hovest is one of two parents with a current student in BGCS. She is also a teacher and understands the challenges students, teachers, and school personnel face daily. This perspective is imperative as we move our district forward.
The endorsements of these two candidates by sitting board members should evaluated thoughtfully and carefully. If elected, Mr. Edens and Mr. Gonyer will have a voice in how our school district moves forward. Whether it is their voice or the voice of others remains to be seen.
Jennifer Sauber
Bowling Green
