I voted

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I cast my ballot today in the special election Nov. 4 for 4 school board members of South Washington County SD #833, and new Senator for SD47.  I voted at the new Washington County Center which is essentially behind Kohls Department store, just off Woodlane Drive.

I have lived the same address for the last 25 years, and my entire life has either been in or very close to public education, including 27 years representing public school teachers.

My ballot today was for three school board incumbents, and one new representative.   Those who got my vote are incumbents Louise Hinz, Katie Schwartz and Sharon Van Leer, and candidate for newly open position, Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg.  The four are recommended by the local teachers union.

Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger is my choice for Senator in SD47.  She has been my state representative and I have been very pleased with her approach to the job of representing not only ourselves, but all citizens.  She is endorsed by a large group of organizations.

The campaign fliers for all are here, for the School Board candidates, and for Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger: 1). School Board ISD 833 Nov 4 2025; 2). School Board ISD 833 Bockman Eckberg Nov 4 2025;  3)  Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger SD47 Nov 4 2025

Here are a few personal comments: 1. I strongly support Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger for Senate for SD47.  She is my local state Representative (47A) and she has been an outstanding representative.  There are endless issues for any legislator, and I have a sense that she has the ability to listen to and represent differing points of view, crucial in a government official, particularly now.

2. I endorse the slate of school board candidates supported by the District 833 teachers union.  Three of the candidates are incumbents; the fourth is a new candidate.  My entire life has been in public education in one way or another.  I do not actively engage in the affairs of the local school district, and my assessment is, just from local news over the years.  In a large and diverse system (nearing 19,000 students), there are infinite possibilities for conflict about this or that.  The school district is well governed even in these difficult times.  The three incumbents are positive leaders.

I had the opportunity to hear the 4th candidate present her points of view in person last week.  She is a strong candidate.  Check out her website.

“Tolerance” is an very important word in my assessment of effective government officials.  Ours is a very  large school district with infinite points of view and tolerance is an essential.

POSTNOTE: I do note that all of the candidates I’m supporting are women.  I recall that earlier in my career, the 1970s and earlier, women were conspicuously absent from elective positions.  The present day change is welcome.  And men, too, run and are elected in all areas, and probably still outnumber women.