Wilson School - Something you can do

Vote!

The Arlington Democratic Party will endorse two candidates for election to the School Board via a primary. Voting will be open to all Arlington residents. Polls are open
- May 1, 7PM - 9 PM, Thursday evening at Thomas Jefferson Middle School (Main Entrance), and
- May 3, 11AM - 7PM Saturday all day at Washington-Lee HS (Cafeteria-South Entrance).
The latter location is nearby, at Quincy and Washington Blvd.

No Republican or independent candidates have entered this race. Like it or not, the two winners of the Democratic primary are very likely to be elected in November.

The future of Wilson School is on the edge of decision. A bare majority on the School Board (3 of 5 members) have indicated a preference to clean out the trailer park and start a permanent primary school program at Wilson. But the well entrenched APS staff continues to delay, waiting for election of a more development-oriented board.

It doesn't that much matter who you vote for! The Arlington Public School system historically tends to ignore us because we don't vote much for School Board. A large turnout from our neighborhood will be noticed.

You can make a difference. You don't have to write a check, or sit through another long meeting. Just get out for 30 minutes and vote. If you tend to vote for the Democratic Party candidates, I personally request that you get out on May 1 or May 3 and cast a vote in the Democratic Party primary for School Board.

We have questioned each of the School Board candidates on Wilson School. Their responses may be found on the NRCA website under Wilson School / Candidates discuss Wilson School:
http://northrosslyn.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8116064271/m/1421000953

A personal note: I've endorsed Karla Hagan and Emma Violand-Sanchez because their stands on restoring Wilson are excellent and they're strong candidates. But, in fact, most of the candidates sound pretty good on Wilson. The sole sour note is sounded by the incumbent, Ms. Garvey, who has supported intense development at the Wilson site. It is my personal opinion that we would do well to replace her on the School Board.

A reminder to vote tomorrow, Saturday May 3, in the Democratic Party SchoolBoard Caucus.

The polling place is Washington-Lee High School, 11AM to 7PM.

This one matters.

Mark Antell

Violand-Sanchez and Garvey win the Democratic Primary for Schoolboard.

In my opinion this a mixed, but overall positive outcome. Violand-Sanchez is a strong advocate for community use of school facilities. Garvey by contrast has called for intensive development at Wilson; but she'll be outvoted.

Thanks to those who voted in the primary.

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"Breaking News: Violand-Sanchez, Garvey Trounce Competition in School Board Race
by SCOTT McCAFFREY, Staff Writer Arlington Sun-Gazette
(Created: Saturday, May 3, 2008 9:25 PM EDT)

The political tag team of Emma Violand-Sanchez and Libby Garvey overwhelmed all comers to win the Arlington County Democratic Committee endorsement following two days of caucus voting.

"Grandmothers rule!" an elated Garvey said as she embraced Violand-Sanchez after the results were announced May 3 at Washington-Lee High School.

Violand-Sanchez, who spent three decades as an educator and administrator in the Arlington school system, led the field with 2,548 votes. Garvey, who has served on the School Board for three terms, received 2,464 votes.

All the other candidates trailed far behind: Karla Hagan received 973 votes, James Lander won 874, Reid Goldstein took 822 and Terron Sims earned 411.

Violand-Sanchez and Garvey ran as an informal team, a strategy that paid off: nearly 1,650 caucus participants cast ballots for the two of them."