Hi Friends

"Hi friends!

      I'm sure many of you have seen the paper this morning, and have learned that Ms. Saffer won in the Christina district! This is a great victory, which I'm sure has been interesting for Ms. Saffer. She won easily in 2007, because she was unopposed. I suppose it's good for a candidate to have to really fight for their seat, at least once. Though the fight should be to prove one's qualifications, NOT to have to be on the defense against negative ads. 

      

      I hope we learn a lesson from this race that has just finished. Val Harris got far too many votes! We as voters, and residents of the Christina district, need to be better informed and more aware of what's happening in our district. We need to be proactive in spreading that awareness. It concerns me that a candidate who is somewhat new to DE, who doesn't have a child in our schools or a background in education, who doesn't appear to have room for a board position in her schedule, AND who enjoys the support of costly, negative ads, could garner so much support, and win so many votes! 

      Without the presence of Mr. Lee in the race, it could have been a 733/693 win for Saffer. This is a great victory for Saffer, as even if all Mr. Lee's votes had gone to Harris, Ms. Saffer still would have one. However, winning by just 40 votes is too close for comfort.

       Let's be more aware as a voting public. Let's attend some school board meetings, and pay attention to the issues facing students in our district. Let's talk about these things with our friends and folks we meet. It is my hope that more people will become involved in the process, and that more people will take an interest in serving in the capacity of a board seat.

      It would be best if in the future our choice of candidates would be people who can answer at least the most frequently asked district questions, have attended a number, if not all board meetings, and have participated in a local school as a parent, teacher, or frequent volunteer. 

       I am so thankful that Ms. Saffer won, as she was definitely the most qualified candidate! Thank you so much for getting out and voting! We can know that we really do live in a democracy, when we the people, do our share, by being aware of the choices, and by voting! Congratulations Ms. Saffer! Congratulations Christina voters! Through our participating, we have deserved this outcome! Let's do it again next time!

:-) "

Blaky Wasgatt