Posted on Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
Best education for Ann Arbor children top priority for candidate Dale Leslie
By Letters to the Editor
Dale Leslie
Dale knows how to set priorities, is relentless in investigation of the facts, can make decisions in a timely manner and COMPLETE the task at hand with integrity and humor. His top priority, and rightly so, is to get the best education for our Ann Arbor children.
This is the opposite of the embarrassing, self-absorbed priority of our current school board to "get along."
Joyce Himebaugh
Creative Memories consultant & concerned citizen for an economical, quality education for our children
Ann Arbor
Comments
Goober
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:36 a.m.
We have known Dale for many years. He is a good man and will be an excellent addition to the school board. He has our votes!
Swimmer
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 4:22 a.m.
What does he know about education from an administrative point of view? It's lovely that he wrote a book, although I can't find it available for purchase. A little googling of this candidate is actually quite scary with regard to the lack of relevant information and the plethora of self-promotional fluff. Why is a self-written story from 2008 about his journalistic internship in 1970 the top hit? When he's running for election in 2012? Is he even a serious candidate? I agree, the educational situation for Ann Arbor students is far from the ideal we hope for right now. That said, it's still up there in the State and National ratings. The State's economy is also in pretty dire shape. Coincidence? The State cut funding to our schools, Is Dale going to make that up personally from sale of his books? Because otherwise, I don't see he has what it takes to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. We may not like what's happening in AA education right now, but that doesn't mean we don't have the best people handling it. When at sea and hit by a storm, do you blame the captain and promote the entertainment MC to the position? Who would you rather steer that boat? I have three AAPS students, I am very involved with their education experience, I am unhappy with some aspects of their education. BUT I think that the BOE is doing the best they can in a bad situation -and to be honest, It's better than I expected after I attended some budget cuts town hall meetings. I know that Deb Mexicotte is an excellent mediator and facilitator. If we lose her, we are not just replacing "a board member", we are losing a very skilled leader. It's one thing to be on the BOE -it's another thing to lead it....... I feel that Dale may have qualities that could be beneficial to the BOE, but in seeking to oust one of the most respected and productive members of the board, he has shown that his true interest is himself rather than our children.
Itchy
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:26 a.m.
The US ranks behind many other nations when it comes to education. Professional educators have led us into this realm of mediocrity and as many AA commenters call it – 'a race to the bottom'. Our board of education has proven time and time again that they cannot get along, do not follow proper agendas and cannot pick true leaders for our education system. I am voting for all new faces. Dale has my vote.
Dog Guy
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
I'm voting for Leslie, not just against Mexicotte.
Arboriginal
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 2:07 a.m.
More cowbell.