Letters: Readers have thoughts on midterm elections

The most important job of a school board member is to provide oversight on system policies and to ensure that strategies proposed by the school corporation Superintendent are consistent with the best interests of students and the community. Sadly, the current board all too often merely acts as a rubber stamp as the superintendent hires consultants, outsources services, and even promoted the establishment of a charter school – an entity which claims funding which otherwise likely would have gone to the SBCSC.

District 2 Member Oletha Jones has been an exception. Jones has consistently asked the important questions. Jones has consistently asked for evidence of efficacy. Jones has consistently visited district schools for feedback on how these polices have played out in real life.

It seems that Jones may be a bit inconvenient for some of the powers that be, though. She has found herself marginalized at times both as member and as a candidate for reelection. As her constituent, I am very grateful that this has not deterred her from doing this important work.

It is crucial that Oletha Jones be returned to the board to represent District 2.

Don Wheeler

South Bend

Vote Westerhausen

I heartily endorse Dr. Don Westerhausen for County Commissioner, District 1. I ran in the Democratic primary against Don and got walloped. Since then I have gotten to know Don well and observed his honesty, intelligence, compassion and dedicated commitment to improve the lives of all who live in St. Joseph County.

Don has spent the last 30 years in our community raising his wonderful family, and caring for his patients. He is a man of action, with concrete ideas on how to improve our county. County government is the closest we, as individual citizens, get to determine how our tax dollars are spent on local issues that have a direct impact on our daily lives. Don will make sure that our tax dollars are spent on making our neighborhoods safe and healthy, improving our ailing infrastructure, and encouraging responsible economic development.

There is great tension in America today. Our democracy is truly at risk. We must protect it from the county level up, by voting. The choices are stark: the current appointed commissioner who is wasting your tax dollars on frivolous partisan lawsuits, or Don Westerhausen who will work tirelessly, listen to all citizens, bring transparency back to the Commissioners and move us forward, together. Please vote for Don Westerhausen.

Mike McManus

South Bend

Quality trustees

My name is Shelli Treely. I am in my 37th year of teaching at Penn-Harris-Madison. My years of experience have given me a great understanding of what makes a quality Board of School Trustees.

Chris Riley, our current president, got us through a global pandemic with grace and civility. His years of service on the board and his understanding of the role make him an invaluable asset to this nonpartisan governance body.

Dana Sullivan is a go-getter! She has logged thousands of hours volunteering within the district in a variety of capacities. She has proven herself with her ability to work with anyone to accomplish a goal.

James Turnwald is the only candidate who has children attending a Title I school. He is well-versed in the unique needs of such schools. James has a special needs daughter, again separating him from the rest of the candidates. His perspective in regards to our most vulnerable children is crucial.

Chris Riley, Dana Sullivan and James Turnwald are futuristic thinkers who will take our children beyond the basics to what their world will demand. We need these people on our board. Please trust a veteran teacher and give them your vote.

Shelli Treely

Mishawaka

Disappointing

Many thanks to the South Bend Tribune for publishing information from Vote 411, a nonpartisan tool to assist voters in deciding for whom to vote. We are disappointed that some candidates have refused to submit answers to questions. One candidate who wishes to represent us, Rep. Dale DeVon, had not submitted any information to Vote 411 as of Thursday, Oct. 27.

Debates among candidates strengthen our democracy by educating the citizenry. We are left to wonder whether DeVon respects his constituents. We are stunned that he feels no need to communicate his values and political positions in a public forum. Is it because he feels that the gerrymandering of his district will assure his victory? We will not be voting for him or any candidate who refuses to engage with his or her constituents. We applaud Heidi Beidinger, candidate for Indiana House District 5, and other candidates, who did respond to the Vote 411 queries.

Melanie Smith-GuillaumeAlfred J. Guillaume, Jr.

Granger

Our well-being

I will vote for Corey Noland for County Council in District B. As the Democrat incumbent, his intelligent and compassionate insight and experience have been a great benefit to the citizens of St. Joseph County. For example, when the Republican County Commissioners voted to turn down a $3 million grant to our Board of Health, Corey voted to override the commissioners’ veto. This much-needed $3 million for community health workers is being used to provide essential care to help families thrive.

Corey’s opponent, Amy Drake, spoke out publicly against accepting this grant. She also continually criticized our St. Joseph County Health Department during the pandemic as they followed state guidelines to keep us safe. Ironically, Amy Drake’s slogan is families first. Please vote for the well-being of our community by voting for Corey Noland for County Council, District B.

MaryEllen Hegedus

South Bend

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Readers have thoughts on candidates, the election