Dist. 57 challengers should get your vote

The only incumbent running for re-election to District 57's Board of Education, Joann Harms, has not proven herself an effective advocate for children.

A good board member engages in discussion at board meetings and asks questions. At the Jan. 15 meeting, the board was discussing how to prioritize implementation of the Strategic Plan developed last spring. Although she was invited by the board president to speak twice, Joann deferred, saying she would rather speak to individual board members outside of the meeting to better understand their ideas.

Not only did she not have any ideas regarding this important process, but also she was unwilling to ask any questions to further her understanding. Her inability to address her concerns during the public board meeting violates our right as citizens. The open meeting policy is in place to make sure the public has the opportunity to hear discussion that affect our community. I for one am sick of these types of back door politics. I want to hear the concerns she has because it affect the way she votes.

A good board member encourages following the proper chain of authority to resolve issues. Joann Harms uses the board meetings as a forum for her personal complaints. At that same meeting, Ms. Harm's contribution to new business was to ask why the street signs on Isabella outside Fairview School enforce no parking from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A board meeting is not the appropriate forum for this inquiry.

A good board member represents the entire district. Joann Harms has repeatedly acted only in the interest of her own children and the school they attend.

I hope the Daily Herald will evaluate carefully her performance.

In closing, I hope you don't just rubber stamp your endorsement for Joann Harms. We have four outstanding citizens ready to step up and take charge: Mike Berry; Sann Knipple; Martin Malone; and Karen Nejdl.

Eileen Mantych

Mount Prospect