Help a local political novice

[Anonymous]

Last night I attended a fundraiser for a local official who is running for mayor of our city. It was organized by a neighbor or I otherwise would not have attended. I am pregnant with our first child and other neighbors have a mentioned that they are moving to better school districts when their children reach school age. We really don't want to move but would do if needed for schools.

In the Q&A, another neighbor asked about the poor quality of the schools, and I followed up asking his plan to improve the schools. I did not mean to offend him, but he became very defensive and said school rankings were unreliable and that the local schools were excellent. I tried to ask a follow up question, but he said -- "you've asked your question, let's move on." Our exchange took about one minute, so I wasn't dominating the conversation.

This made me realize I should know more about local government issues and work to create better schools. If other public officials have that man's attitude, I am not sure how to address it. Does anyone have tips for how to get involved without offending.

[Anonymous]

Just off the top of my head...........

First, it seems as if your question came right on the heels of another neighbor complaining about the schools. That may be why he became a bit defensive.

Then, your question was quite broad... a plan to improve the schools........ there is a lot of ground to cover there.
You may want to focus your question... something like... Do you believe the schools need additional funding? If so, what kinds of things would you like to see happen to provide that funding? or..... Do you believe the curriculum in our local schools provides enough rigor for all students? Do you think there needs to be changes to the curriculum? or.... a question about the facilities, or hiring practices, etc. It also helps to pose questions in a more positive way..........Instead of, what are your plans to improve the schools, ask....There is always room for improvement in any industry. What are some things you see that could be improved in our schools?

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Which city?

[Anonymous]

OP, Alexandria, hearing the Vice Mayor speaking about his run for Mayor? Very contentious, nasty little city council. They're all defensive because the school board has incredible sway, but the criticisms you've heard are fair.

[Anonymous]

If he acts like a jerk BEFORE the election, what do you suppose he'll be like after winning it?


That guy would NOT get my vote. Ever.

[Anonymous]

I think the issue is that you asked a follow-up question at a fundraiser. He expects to stick to his stump speech, and not have people press him on his views regarding how to fix the schools. Especially when, in his mind, the questioner doesn't know what s/he's talking about and only serves to confuse the audience and dampen enthusiasm amongst what should be his strongest supporters.

If indeed it is a jurisdiction where the School Board is particularly independent, that might exacerbate things. Say you've been a City Councilor, and now running for Mayor. As a City Councilor, you might not have any real sway over the School Board. You might have even beat your head against a wall trying to push the School Board to improve things.

But you're running, so as an "incumbent" the Schools issue is threatening to hang on you like an albatross. Even though you had no institutional pull over the schools, less-informed voters will blame him for the problems. If due to his (unrelated) City Council membership he can't escape (unfounded) blame, then he's stuck defending the schools and saying the measures are all wrong.

So he's probably frustrated that he (thinks he) can't take the time to explain the complexities, and how he's left holding the bag for the yahoos on the School Board.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP. I dont care what anyone says above...if this person is running for elected office they should have a “canned” answer re education, and be able to speak to their plan. Even if their plan is “work closely with the school board” or some other such non-answer. They should also be able to speak in a room—supporters or not—and answer questions without becoming defensive. Doesnt sound like an impressive candidate imho.

I only got interested in local politics about a year and a half ago. I live in VA. I got out a notebook and wrote down my senators, rep in va house of delegates (and district number), state senator (and district number), board of supervisors and school board rep, etc. Eventually this info moved to a word doc, which i still have Anyway I learned via wikipedia, their own websites, social media presence etc who represents me, their positions, etc. Then I learned what my local govt/state govt does.

Id recommend doing what I do: just start by googling and go from there. I think its great that you are taking an interest in local government!

[Anonymous]

PP again. As for how to get involved, you can join your local PTA, even if you dont have a kid in the school. Also, reach out to your local school board rep and introduce yourself. Explain that you are a new parent to be and you want to get involved and ask what you can do. They will have guidance. Also, look at your school board reps bio (the whole school board actually) and see what their experience is. They are likely involved in community organizations: if any sound like orgs where your expertise could be put to good use, reach out and find out what volunteer opps are available.

[Anonymous]

He's clueless.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like he's more of a novice than you! He sounds rude and unpolished and would not get any of my money.

[Anonymous]

Well you met him and now you will not vote for him.