District 15 Race: Fact or Fiction?

There are a lot of rumors flying! While social media can be a great tool for communication, there have been very questionable posts from individuals who don't even know the Engage D15 candidates, who are making serious accusations that have no basis in fact. Below is what we've heard so far...we ask you to reach out to us directly if you have questions about us- we invite it! Email info@engaged15.com.

Engage D15 Candidates are a non-partisan group...FACT: We are made up of two democrats, two republicans and an independent! We have never believed that politics should play a role on the school board, nor have we made any attempts to insert politics into this race. The issue of politics was only introduced after strategic suggestions were made by an incumbent (we believe he's scared he might lose his seat on the board). The goal must be to try to shift the discussion from the track-record AND the important issues facing District 15 through innuendo.

Engage D15 Candidates have been approached by special interest groups...FACT: We have been approached by groups wanting us to take a hard stance in a show of support for them and/or against others. These groups often conflicted with one another and had a long standing history of contention against one another in our community. In every case, not one of us felt it appropriate to make promises or throw support towards any one group. Why? These groups were asking for answers/promises to questions/issues BEFORE we, as potential board members, have the opportunity to bring these issues to the community, in exchange for their support. Since taxpayers have yet to weigh in on these issues, we felt it irresponsible and premature to commit to any one issue- thereby supporting a special interest - without communication and engagement from residents. It is fair to say that this response was not always met with favor. It is also fair to question whether or not all other candidates were approached, too. If so, what were their responses? We've heard they've taken a stance, but not in public. If not, why not?

Engage D15 Candidates are aligned with the PTRO...FICTION: One major goal of ours is to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability in D15. The chairman of the organization himself said he cannot support Engage D15 because it is made up of individuals who are not Republican. We do believe the 'fiscal accountability' message through our campaign resonates with this organization. This notion happens to be one strongly supported by the PTRO, among many others who are not connected to any political organization, and they have shown their support as a result. However, we have not sought out their endorsement, nor have we accepted any donations from this group or any other special interest group to date. We do believe the PTRO is free to make their own conclusions about the candidates, just as the local Democrats (who have also sent out emails about supporting other candidates), and others have done.

Engage D15 Candidates have the support of what some individuals claim is a national hate group... RIDICULOUS FICTION: Again, we have not solicited the support of ANY groups or affiliations. To suggest this is not only completely untrue - it is also dangerous, inflammatory and irresponsible to fabricate information simply to insinuate. Shame on those individuals who actually do this. The truth always comes out, so we remain confident in that. Because this suggestion is so completely insane, this will be the only time we address it. Nor will we give further attention to any persons or groups who might continue to perpetuate egregious lies.

Engage D15 Candidates welcome community support....FACT: The only people we are beholden to are the children, parents and taxpayers/all community members that we want to be elected to represent. We are incredibly grateful and humbled by all of the donations and support that have been offered by the hard-working members of the D15 community. We will continue to work tirelessly to make ourselves available to all members of the community in the hopes of answering any questions and learning more about what D15 needs. What we will not do is allow ourselves to be held hostage by those who wish to sully our good names, reputations, and hard work, or that of those who support us - simply to push through the agenda of those working to maintain the status quo.

If you are hearing things that sound negative about us, don't just take those words for fact. Reach out to us. We don't see other candidates making these types of gestures to hear directly from all of our residents. This is one of the many reasons that we are different and believe we will better represent D15 as a whole.

To learn more about our candidates, our goals and events coming up to learn more about us, visit our website and/or our Facebook page.

Engage D15!

Sincerely,

Frank Annerino, Mike Smolka, Anthony Wang, Lisa Szczupaj (all 4-year terms) and Barb Kain) 2-year term)