Republican party committee criticized

In the October 20 issue, the newspaper ran an editorial about the local school board race.

First off, I would like to make clear that I am addressing some issues about that race that involve a committee from the Hot Springs Republican party. I am a Democrat and have nothing personal against Republicans. I have been married to one for over 40 years. And in my 35 years of living in Wyoming, I can say I like and respect many Republicans and have voted for some. I think we can disagree and have civil discussions without being hateful or divisive.

I was disappointed, for several reasons, when the committee from the Hot Springs Republican party sent out a questionnaire/letter to the eight school board candidates running for office. First, they requested one word answers to their six questions. I fail to see how a one word answer can adequately address complex issues. I want an answer that tells me what they know about the topic, if they can analyze problems objectively, and can offer a well supported answer.

Second, they stated in the letter that they planned to mail just those one word answers out to the voting public in HSC. A one word answer with no context can lead to speculation and misinformation by whoever reads it. But again some will come to their own conclusions reading the mailer, however they handle this.

I feel the questionnaire and the mailing does a great disservice to ALL candidates who are running. The school board candidates are running in a nonpartisan race and politics have no place in school board races. The number one priority of school board candidates should be what is best for ALL students and their learning.

We have eight candidates who are running for three positions. We are very fortunate to have people in our community who want to serve on the school board. It will be very demanding of their time and won’t always be an easy position to hold. There are so many good ways to get information about the candidates. The paper has an election guide, all appeared at the Chamber Forum, some spoke at the Republican meeting, some candidates have Facebook pages, there have been Meet & Greets. All have asked the public to contact them with their questions and concerns.

We, as voters, need to do our best to take time to learn about these candidates, to seek out information and to ask the hard questions about issues in our schools. Vote on November 8!

Kelly Strampe