Why No Debate On District 86 Referendum?: Letter

HINSDALE, IL - Michael Jeffords sent the Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Patch the following letter regarding a proposed a $139,815,893 referendum that will be on the April 2 ballot for voters in Hinsdale Township High School District 86.

Will there be a debate on the D86 referendum?

America’s history of public debates on ballot measures is long. At the local level, District 86 Board of Education candidates are planning a public debate. No such debate is planned to discuss the D86 referendum. Why?

Invitations to leaders of the anti-referendum contingent have been made by parties interested in passing the referendum. The leaders of the no campaign have declined to engage in a public debate. Why?

There does not appear to be a fear of publicity. The no campaign leaders sit in public office, speak to news stations, and pass (largely incorrect) information to student groups. Why will they not engage in a public debate on the merits of the referendum?

In my opinion, there are two reasons. First, the no campaign relies on misinformation to confuse voters. When called out on social media sites regarding their deceptions, they typically pivot to a different issue or remain silent all together. This strategy fails at a public debate – their position would be exposed as a house of cards.

Second, certain members of the no group consistently stifle questions and criticisms. On one no leader’s Facebook page related to his position as the temporary Burr Ridge mayor and the “Do Better” Facebook page, questions and criticisms are met with deletion of comments and a ban from the ability to make future comments. Ignoring the 1st amendment is not available during a public debate.

Voters deserve a debate surrounding this very important referendum. If one side is unwilling to engage in such a debate, voters should realize that position is untenable, and as a result, vote yes.

Michael J. Jeffords