Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Another election for local School Board leadership is fast approaching. Voters will have an opportunity to see different education leaders or the same that is currently assembled. Elections give the power to the voters to effect change if there is dissatisfaction with the current administration that has led these past few years. Voters should be well informed about each candidate running for School Board leadership roles, have knowledge of their voting record over the last four years, and their vision to take the Monroe City School District to another level. One should know the candidates' views and vision for improvement. Even with majority Black representation on the Monroe City School Board, many in the Districts that serve predominantly Black children believe that the playing field is not even for Black children. The same sentiments can be said about the current Black majority on the Monroe City Council, where the same is felt in Districts 3, 4, and 5. Voters in Districts 4,5, 6, and 7 have responded well to tax proposals from the School Board, and many believe that money from those tax measures should have been enough to ensure that the underserved are getting “their fair share” from their votes. Some argue that a bit of money directed to the school districts that achieve their goals should instead be channeled to schools that underperform. Sadly, over the years, election after election, things have remained the same. Many of the community, especially those living in City Council Districts 3,4 and 5, believe that resources from the city are severely lacking. Where is the accountability for Districts that need more help and resources? A “majority” should mean more control over the direction of resources in education and city growth. Reality is revealing who's really reaping the benefits. Now the question is how much longer will those elected to serve the city neglect what needs it most. One can now clearly understand why the late, great writer Perry Thomas was always pushing to elect Black leaders to make the power of their vote count when it came to Black issues. As voters prepare to cast their votes for eligible School Board members, they should ensure their candidate(s) are in their districts. There is allegedly some confusion because of District census changes, and some voters may not be aware. It should also be a word to the wise that the candidates themselves should be aware of such changes. Voter suppression shouldn’t be allowed in any race, as we currently see on state and national levels.

The Monroe Dispatch encourages all eligible voters to cast their votes for the candidates they sincerely believe will bring on more significant change to the areas in Monroe we know sorely need it. Change can happen only by those who want to see a difference. We, as Black people, have not always been in a position to effect change. We should not take power to make changes lightly, nor should we relinquish control to those who only want to manipulate the system for personal gain.