Democratic Campaign Literature on Left on Windshields

It has come to my attention from multiple sources that political campaign flyers supporting the Democratic Slate (Grace Wolf, Sheila Olem, Lisa Merkel, Eric Boll, Jeff Davidson and Melissa Jonas) were placed on windshields Thursday night during an official school soccer game.

I must assume that each of those candidates authorizing this act had prior approval from the high school principal to campaign on school grounds during official school functions.

I say this because these same folks seem to follow the rules except when "the end justifies any means" or "better to ask permission later." The early campaign sign dispersal is evidently just one example of breaking trust. Yes, I know the recent denials of knowledge of a "gentleman’s agreement," but video tape shows that Merkel talked about it on December 14, 2010, during a town council meeting in the council chambers.

These are the people that want the Herndon citizenry to trust them. Why should we?

They are either purposely breaking the law or just too lazy to read the law and to then try to self-justify their actions when caught just doubles down on the miscarriage.

Either way, these are not the upstanding exemplary citizens we should allow in our high offices.

Please note:

Fairfax County Public School Official Policies Concerning the Conduct of Political Campaigns includes:

CAMPAIGNING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

• Neither candidates nor their supporters may campaign on school grounds during school hours.
• Anyone wanting to use school facilities for political activities outside school hours must apply for such use under the Community Use of School Facilities Regulation 8420.1 as a “cultural and civic group.” (FCPS Community Use Section, 703-246-3873.)

DISTRIBUTION OF CAMPAIGN LITERATURE

• Distribution of campaign literature and political statements by candidates or their supporters may occur in class and at school events ONLY as part of impartial instructional discussion of controversial issues as provided in Regulation 3280.1. Students have the right to express their political views and distribute political literature during non-instructional time as provided by the Student Responsibilities and Rights (SR&R) Regulation 2601.13P and Regulation 1367.1.
• Candidates and supporters may not distribute political literature at evening activities (e.g., Back-to-School Nights) except if they distribute it outside the school without impeding entrance and egress to the building.
• As in the case of all materials distributed on school grounds, the principal may limit the time, space, and manner of such distribution, but not the content of the materials. Materials may not be left on cars parked on school property nor otherwise litter school grounds.
• Materials advocating the passage or defeat of any candidate, any referendum question, or any matter pending before any governing body may not be sent home with students.

APPLICATION TO ALL CAMPAIGN ISSUES

• All these policies apply to any political issue (e.g., a bond referendum), whether or not a candidate is involved.

References:
• Fairfax County Public Schools Policies and Regulations P1800.2, R1367.1, R2601.13P, R3280.1, R8420.1
• Va. Code Ann. §22.1-79.3

Hopefully they will do better in the future, but the habits seem set. We’ll see.