Edison Board of Education Candidates

Well, on Tuesday Nov. 3rd we get the chance to decide which candidates get to fill the 3 open spots and have an impact on the Board of Mythomania for the next 3 years.

I say 'decide' because those who show up to vote are the final decision-makers, so if you don't want someone else deciding for you here in Downtown Edison then it's important that you get out and vote and make your voice heard.

Now, clearly, if you've ever read this blog and it's many posts about what this Board does and doesn't do, what they say and don't say etc. - then you'll understand why I'm not a fan of this Board (and why I refer to them as the Board of Mythomania), its ineffective leadership, its lack of transparency, its little oversight over Super Dr. Richard 'Looking for the Exit Ramp' O'Malley, its out-of-control $pending and general disrespect for the stakeholder that pays 90% of their bills - the residents and taxpayers here in Downtown Edison.

This board is in dire need of change and this is an opportunity to start the process by filling the 3 open spots with those who recognize that it's not a closed club for the selected few to keep the status quo.

So, with that in mind, here's my take on the 9 candidates seeking to fill the 3 open spots. I read all their material and watched and heard them at Candidates Night.

Certainly, all 9 candidates are quality people and each can, no doubt, contribute. And I certainly appreciate all 9 for taking the time and wanting to contribute to the community.

The distinction and deciding factor for me then is what I think they'll contribute.

We have the Incumbent ticket of Anes, Pipala and Schildkraut or based on their performance at the last caucus meeting, the preferential treatment given to them by the Board and Señor O'Malley, and their No Show at Candidates Night for the public - the Home team's 'No Books for You' Chrome-Bot choices to keep the status quo.

Next, there's the Dems with Errico, Araujo and Brescher. You had to know that was going to happen when the board moved the election to November and took away your right to vote on their Bloated Buckets of Money they call a Budget. Errico brings the school experience as well as political knowledge in this town, and both Araujo and Brescher bring construction experience.

Finally, there's the three outsiders of Thoms, Gilroy and Prasad-Madhukar. Thoms ran last year with Moroney who got an open seat on the Board. Thoms is a Certified Nutritional Specialist and Personal Fitness Trainer, Gilroy is a veteran communications and public affairs strategist and Prasad-Madhukar brings public administration and public policy experience. All three were very impressive and a vote for any of them wouldn't be misplaced.

Next, I looked at the ETEA choices. They support Araujo, Errico and Prasad-Madhukar. Can't argue with their choices since they have the right to choose who they think is best for their interests. But hey, I was glad to see they didn't go with 'No Books for You' ticket - there's just something not right about no books. But I digress, so let's move on.

So, right off the bat, I discount the Home team of Anes, Pipala and Schildkraut since I don't want to perpetuate the status quo and make things even worse than they are now under Iyer's Leadership - if that's even possible. Although Chrome Books may be User friendly, don't think the Home team's choices will help make the Board so.

So, if anyone cares, my choices will come from the remaining 6. For me, it's who I think will take on the status quo over there on Mythomania Lane, provide necessary Oversight over O'Malley, Stop the Out-of-Control $pending, make the Public part of the solutions and Open the Transparency Door to the Closed Club mentality going on over there.

For those reasons and for every post about the Board of Mythomania in this blog, I will be Voting for:

Ralph Errico

Richard Bruscher

Shiva Prasad-Madhukar

You know, there's some really smart people on this Board of Mythomania but to me the most important thing isn't how smart someone is but rather how they use the smarts they have. If they use it to help people, that's a good thing. If they use it to take advantage of people, try and fool or trick people, that's a bad thing. Unfortunately, I think this Board of Mythomania with all their smarts falls into the latter category.