Readers React: All this money, and only an 8% voter turnout?

To the editor: George McKenna’s solid lead in the election for the 1st District’s seat on the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education gave him the victory over Alex Johnson. But having only about 8% of eligible voters participate in the balloting suggests that the board’s knee-jerk support for an election, rather than an appointment, after Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte’s death in December was not only misguided but a monumental waste of money. (“Outspent by rival, McKenna drew on connections in school board victory,” Aug. 13)

Voters were also apparently appalled by the negative promotional pieces that marred the last weeks of the race.

Most of all, though, those of us concerned about education in Los Angeles were disgusted by the huge amount of money thrown into this campaign, not to get the kids the best possible advocate on the Board of Education but to establish which groups supporting the two candidates would have power and influence.

Godfrey Harris, Los Angeles

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To the editor: McKenna’s victory is another setback for deep-pocketed donors? How sad for them.

Yes, McKenna relied on “connections” — those connections were teachers. Remember them?

Teachers have made clear they don’t like L.A. Unified Supt. John Deasy’s agenda of major educational decisions — made without their input — that impact their classrooms and their students.

Money may be speech now, but teachers spoke louder. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist. Why are we having this odd conversation?

Wendy Blais, North Hills

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To the editor: Even though McKenna was outspent in the L.A. Unified school board election, it was edifying to read that he prevailed.

Perhaps the salient words of Benjamin Franklin captured this community event: “Diligence is the mother of good luck.”

Tom Kaminski, Pasadena