The issue facing APS is not about “three votes.” It is about a pattern of behavior that many in this community believe is incompatible with serving on a nonpartisan school board.

Monica Dziesinski’s recent column frames criticism as political activism and personal attacks, but that ignores why so many citizens became concerned in the first place. This recall effort was not started by one political group or a handful of angry people. It has involved dozens of community members — parents, taxpayers, former students, and residents — who are frustrated by repeated division, controversy, and decision-making that appears driven more by ideology than collaboration.

What is especially telling is how many longtime Alpena residents quietly say the same thing: this behavior is not new. Again and again, people describe the same pattern they witnessed years ago — bullying, dismissiveness, and an inability to work constructively with others. The concern is not disagreement. Healthy disagreement is part of any functioning board. The concern is conduct.

No one expects unanimous votes or identical viewpoints. What the community does expect is professionalism, transparency, respect for students, and leadership that builds trust rather than deepens conflict.

It is also important to correct misinformation. The recall effort is not based solely on isolated votes. Petition language is limited by law, but the frustration behind this movement comes from months of public meetings, ignored concerns, unnecessary controversy, and decisions that have cost the district time, money, and public confidence.

Public office comes with scrutiny and accountability. When large numbers of citizens across many backgrounds express concern, it should not automatically be dismissed as “political activists” twisting words. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one: people are tired of the dysfunction and want better for APS students and the community.

Molly Stepanski

Posen