Letter to the Editor: Who Steals Campaign Signs?

The following was submitted as a Letter to the Editor:

Dear Editor:

Between 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 and 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 30, two campaign signs were removed from our driveway. Both were for the District 161 School Board election. The sign for the high school District 233 election was left in its place. Leads me to believe that whoever took them knew exactly what they were doing. You see, our driveway is across the street from Western Avenue School and gets great exposure. Who doesn’t want John Simmons or Cassandra Lickert elected? It turns out that several of Mr. Simmons’ signs have been removed or destroyed over the last week. Is someone feeling threatened? Doesn’t good government involve all of us doing our own homework and showing up to vote?

Historically, our community has been a place where we could have ethical, mature exchanges of ideas and opinions. My parents devoted a combination of 22 years as members of the 161 and 233 boards while I was growing up in our wonderful community. Their fellow board members didn’t always agree with each other, but they agreed to disagree RESPECTFULLY and came to unanimous decisions, presenting a united front to all of their constituents. They understood their roles as board members and their only agenda was to ensure that all of the children in our district received the best education possible, while being responsible stewards of the resources available. They did their homework before every meeting, showing up prepared to have informed discussions before reaching conclusions on board matters.

I am extremely slow to anger, but this cowardly, unethical act in the cover of darkness has really set me off. Being a responsible board member involves countless hours of largely thankless efforts, all as a service to our community. We should be grateful to John Simmons for the 8 years he has already served on our behalf, and for his willingness to devote 4 more. Please vote on Tuesday, April 7.

Signed,

A Concerned Citizen