Outcome of Westminster School Vote

The special election for the Westminster School District Board of Education has come and gone, and Curtis Jones has regained his former seat. His margin of victory over his closest opponent, Nancy Blumenthal, was a razor-thin 62 votes out of a total of over 3,300 votes cast.

A couple of things are clear from the results of the election. First, almost 60% of those who voted, voted for someone other than Jones. That demonstrates the general dissatisfaction with Jones’ prior performance in office which was the basis for the special election.

Second, Jones was only able to prevail in the election with the assistance of a curious coalition that was apparently more concerned with the issue of the election and its proponents, rather than who was the best person for the job.

This coalition, chaired by board member Margie Rice and adamantly supported by board President Randy Fruechting (members of the board who appointed Jones) and composed of various representatives of specialized interest groups and certain persons whose primary orientation is anti-teacher, was able to generate just enough support for their negative viewpoints to secure the narrow margin of victory.

I am at least glad that the citizens of Westminster had the chance to go out and exercise their right to vote. Despite the result, I feel that the civic opportunity was well worth the expense.

HOWARD ROSEN

Westminster