But the Headline Was Good....
Well, the editorial in today's Capital started well; Legislators should fix school board system. But the editorial managed to disappoint:
Except, as we know, it is not an improvement considering the Governor will still ultimately make the appointment. And Leopold's bill still consolidates power in fewer people than even now have influence over the process, giving voters no real choice at the polls. Compromise is a good thing on a lot of issues, but there is no sense in passing a pointless reform to the selection process hat will have no impact upon the status quo.
Mr. Leopold, like some other legislators, would have liked to see an elected school board. But, as a pragmatist, he eventually pushed for a compromise that would make the governor select from a list compiled by a 15-member panel appointed by the governor, the county executive, the County Council, the business community and the teachers' union.
The board members selected by the governor would have to stand for a yes-or-no vote in the next election. It's not the elected school board that many would prefer, but it would be an improvement on today's system - and it can happen quickly if delegation members get their act together.
Except, as we know, it is not an improvement considering the Governor will still ultimately make the appointment. And Leopold's bill still consolidates power in fewer people than even now have influence over the process, giving voters no real choice at the polls. Compromise is a good thing on a lot of issues, but there is no sense in passing a pointless reform to the selection process hat will have no impact upon the status quo.
Labels: Anne Arundel, General Assembly, School Board Reform
posted by Brian Griffiths at 9:54 PM
2 Comments:
You should not be suprised that the Capital supports the "nominating commission" idea. They do not really support competitive elections for the school board. For pure personal interest, you cannot blame Leopold either. Last year, he supported the bill because he expected to be county executive. Now that he is he wants to have control over a process that he would otherwise have no control over.
The question is whether the Dems, now that they have their Governor, will take the power out of his hands and put in into a nominating commission they will not entirely control. My guess is they will not though I am hearing just the opposite.
The other question is whether the Republicans can hang tough on a real elected school board bill. Senator Greenip informs me that Sen-elect Simonaire will introduce the "good bill" and obviously it has support on the House side, though how much is a question.
More to come. Remember, this time last year it was a done deal and it unfolded.
Wow, Simonaire is actually going to show up to introduce a bill? Even if he does, how much do you think other Senators will be eager to work with him? Democrats clearly hate him for his deceitful campaign. Likewise, the republican brass doesn't like nor trust him. Too many of us have seen Bryan Simonaire. He'll soon be labeled Maryland's least effective Senator.
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