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Cory's Open Ballot
Aug. 23rd, 2010 08:10 pmThere are local elections in Huntsville tomorrow. I'll be voting on two positions: my city council district rep and city schools district rep.
City Council - District 3
I'm voting for James Lomax. Lomax is a freshman at UAH that was heavily involved in Ron Paul's campaign a couple of years ago and is a member of a youth organization that promotes libertarian positions. Philosophically, the guy is pretty much on the same boat as me. Now, while others may consider his youth a con, I consider it a pro. None of the candidates are old-hat city govt figures that have extensive networks and understand "the system." From Lomax's speeches I've seen, feedback I've heard from friends, and repeated comments from various press (pro and blogger), they all say that he has a passion and knowledge of local government and politics that belie his years.
Why not vote for Olshefski - who has amassed more campaign donations than his other 7 rivals combined? He's running on his being the former garrison commander of Redstone Arsenal, but I've only heard negative comments from military/defense contractors that worked with him and his office. I've heard stories of unprofessional behavior, over-delegation, and negligence of duty. Add to that prospective the fact that he's been non-committal against a sales tax hike, all of his positions are vague with no indication that he has a plan, and that every time I see a picture of the guy I get a smarmy, dirty feeling about him.
I wouldn't be upset if Barry Pendergrass were to get the position, he just doesn't really do anything for me.
School Board - District 3
I'm not voting FOR the incumbent, Dr. Jennie Robinson. I'm voting AGAINST Walker McGinnis. Yes, I'm upset with how the school board has run over the past few years taking tiny financial steps as the state repeatedly, drastically cut the funds sent to the city. BUT Robinson can't be scapegoated on this; the woman is consistently making the typical GOP-small govt arguments at the school board and backs that up with votes most of the time. No, I'm not happy about the superintendent getting a severance package (about $100k) to buy out the remainder of her contract. However, the school board basically had the choice of paying this compromise amount or letting the superintendent stay in position for the next year. Would McGinnis keep the superintendent or is he thinking there is some magical way to fire the superintendent with no severance? Didn't the city end up settling in the millions of dollars with the previous superintendent for doing that? I'll gladly pick paying $100grand over keeping her another year or paying out millions in a settlement (and about as much in legal fees)...thank you very much.
Whether you find my opinions informative, offensive, or whatever, if you are a Huntsville resident, I hope you will take the time to vote tomorrow.
City Council - District 3
I'm voting for James Lomax. Lomax is a freshman at UAH that was heavily involved in Ron Paul's campaign a couple of years ago and is a member of a youth organization that promotes libertarian positions. Philosophically, the guy is pretty much on the same boat as me. Now, while others may consider his youth a con, I consider it a pro. None of the candidates are old-hat city govt figures that have extensive networks and understand "the system." From Lomax's speeches I've seen, feedback I've heard from friends, and repeated comments from various press (pro and blogger), they all say that he has a passion and knowledge of local government and politics that belie his years.
Why not vote for Olshefski - who has amassed more campaign donations than his other 7 rivals combined? He's running on his being the former garrison commander of Redstone Arsenal, but I've only heard negative comments from military/defense contractors that worked with him and his office. I've heard stories of unprofessional behavior, over-delegation, and negligence of duty. Add to that prospective the fact that he's been non-committal against a sales tax hike, all of his positions are vague with no indication that he has a plan, and that every time I see a picture of the guy I get a smarmy, dirty feeling about him.
I wouldn't be upset if Barry Pendergrass were to get the position, he just doesn't really do anything for me.
School Board - District 3
I'm not voting FOR the incumbent, Dr. Jennie Robinson. I'm voting AGAINST Walker McGinnis. Yes, I'm upset with how the school board has run over the past few years taking tiny financial steps as the state repeatedly, drastically cut the funds sent to the city. BUT Robinson can't be scapegoated on this; the woman is consistently making the typical GOP-small govt arguments at the school board and backs that up with votes most of the time. No, I'm not happy about the superintendent getting a severance package (about $100k) to buy out the remainder of her contract. However, the school board basically had the choice of paying this compromise amount or letting the superintendent stay in position for the next year. Would McGinnis keep the superintendent or is he thinking there is some magical way to fire the superintendent with no severance? Didn't the city end up settling in the millions of dollars with the previous superintendent for doing that? I'll gladly pick paying $100grand over keeping her another year or paying out millions in a settlement (and about as much in legal fees)...thank you very much.
Whether you find my opinions informative, offensive, or whatever, if you are a Huntsville resident, I hope you will take the time to vote tomorrow.
