Endorsements: Lawler, Rivera, Shimanek, Vogel for Fenton District 100

Voters in Fenton High School District 100 will choose four school board members from a field that features incumbents Thomas Lawler, Mary Rivera, David Shimanek and David Vogel and challengers Jeffrey Idelman, Susan Ralph, Terry Cacioppo and Paul Wedemann. Shimanek has a thorough understanding of the issues, has worked to get the Fenton staff more involved in topics facing the board and favors changes to the pension system going forward that would not impact already retired teachers. Lawler’s vision of exploring ways to prepare students for career paths that don’t necessarily involve four years of college is a good one and should be encouraged. Vogel has a strong understanding of district finances and pension reform with the need for across-the-board compromises and wants to explore new revenue streams. Rivera’s efforts to improve community involvement by using social media are noteworthy, and she also wants to pursue pension reform without punishing current retirees. All four deserve support from the Fenton community.