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On Wednesday evening this past week, the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan organization, hosted a school board candidate forum at the First Presbyterian Church in Alpena. The forum was intended as a way for the public to become acquainted with the school board candidates and their vision for Alpena Public Schools.
This year the League enlisted a new format for this forum where the candidates rotated to different tables to speak directly with community members. Attendees were able to ask questions and interact directly with the candidates.
There are eight candidates vying for four school board seats in the November 3rd election. Although all eight candidates were extended an invitation for this community event, school board candidates Vincent Thomas, Robert Bruning, and Lindsey Klein were "no-shows". This was such a missed opportunity for these three as it was an occasion where they could get to know the community and the community could get to know them.
It should raise questions and concerns about why these three didn't make time in their schedule for this occasion. Vincent Thomas declined the invitation immediately. Robert Bruning accepted the invitation and then declined the day prior. Lindsey Klein accepted the invitation, and not only was she a "no-show", she failed to notify the League that she wouldn't be attending after all.
Thomas, Bruning and Klein are seeking to represent community interests on the school board yet seem disinterested in getting to know the community and learning what issues are of concern to voters. It's fair to question how committed these three will be to the demands of a school board seat and how accountable they will be to this school system and the students they seek to represent.
As the saying goes, when people show you what they are, believe them.
Cathy Goike
Alpena