School Board race to election, from a horse race perspective

Ten candidates are fighting for four open seats on the Valley View School District 365U Board of Education. Only three of four incumbents are running and five newcomers are seeking three open four-year spots on the board, while two candidates are running for a single two-year seat.

Incumbents Rick Gougis, Leo Venegas, and Steve Quigley have not come out of the box yet.  The bell sounded two weeks ago and their lack of signage or promises are discouraging.  Early on in the race, they were objected to because they did not follow proper procedures on signature gathering.  Being already elected officials, this was a haunting reminder of what political clout can get you.  The objections ran ugly when Gougis tried to have a hearing impaired man testify without assistance.  Quigley was instructing the board during his hearing, and even tried to have the resident held accountable to his attorneys fees because he failed to gather enough valid signatures, (as stated in the objections).  Venegas would have been a wild card in this election, had he not been one of the only one’s to support the incumbent trustees for the Village.  Once he aligned himself with these individuals and the current school board incumbents, he lost any hope of rising through the ranks.  People demand change and this showed he supported the “old school” way of doing things.

These three are not known for their ability to balance a budget, but are known widely as hot tempered and they do not listed to the residents suggestions.  This is a poor showing for public servants.  Some would wonder why they would run at all.  For them, this race has not even started therefore they are not even contending.

Robert Leach’s run for the two year seat has been tainted by the recent articles involving Devon Hodges.  The residents hearts went out to this young man and when it was alleged that he participated in the stalking of a child, this did not fare well right before election season kick off.  He also did not leave the gate, as there have been no sign spotting and no public appearances. 

Crystal Hansen aligned herself with the incumbents and that hurt her politically.  She is slow out of the gate, but may be able to draw momentum if she can separate her actions and intentions from the incumbents.  This will be the one of two wild cards in the election.

Ken Williams, related to Leroy Brown, has not been supported by the current administration.  This could be good or bad news to the residents.  The good news is that he is not aligned DIRECTLY with the good ol boys network, but the bad news is that if he takes office, that could change.  This is a horse that came out of the gate in the middle and is predicted to finish in the middle.

Claudia Simmons appears to he a strong candidate and is a top runner side by side with Ken Harris.  There is a strong debate who will finish to “Place” (second) or to “Show” (Third).  Ken Harris holds an accounting degree.  Claudia is in the process of obtaining a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.  Both of their platforms are outstanding and they are both well educated.  They are also easy to speak with and seem open to listening to the residents needs.

Phillip Wilson is a second wild card.  It is his first race and he is the philly that has gone wild.  He has laid low during this election and we are hoping to hear more from him soon.  He could come in and take over the top three spots, but right now we have no way of knowing.The thing you never know about phillies is if they will run hard the whole race, run the wrong way, or be so fast they take first place.  If you bet on this one and he wins, you might get a good payday.

April Gavin is the front runner sure to win.  She has tried diligently to apply for the open seats over the last few years and was rejected, while Gougis and Venegas slipped in on clout.  She would have been a fabulous addition to the board over the past few years and her tenacity deserves her the chance to sit on the board now.  She has a good edge over all the competition, as she has submerged herself in the school system for three years and did not get paid to do so.  She is also very good with budgets and has solutions to the budget crisis.  She has walked the neighborhoods and will continue to do so up until Election Day.  This lady is something else.  She came out of the gate strong and pulled ahead to fast for any late runner to catch her.  This one will win by a wide gap of at least 10 yards. 

That is out take on the school board races.  And they are off!