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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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Great Schools Initiative
Press Release
For release on Sunday, April 15, 2007 For additional information, contact:
Jim Richardson, spokesperson
Great Schools Initiative
jrmjrichardson@sbcglobal.net
Or, Phone, 348-5331
Great Schools Group recommends five candidates
for May 8th Flint School Board election
The Great Schools Initiative, an interracial citizen group that has advocated for a vision of sound education in the Flint School System and has been active for nearly three years, has completed a long and open review process that has resulted in their recommendation of the following candidates for the May 8th Flint School Board election.
For the 1 year term: (one person to be elected)
Jennifer Dillard
For the 2 year term: (one person to be elected)
Michael Cross
For the four year term (three to be elected)
Fred Bashir
Antoinette Lockett
John Topping
"We believe," said Jim Rich ardson, spokesperson for the group, "these candidates share our vision for an educational system in Flint that will compare with the best systems in the area and across the state. Moreover, these candidates demonstrated the skill and determination to make that vision a reality. We encourage all concerned voters in the Flint school district to vote in the May 8th election: we hope the voters will agree with our assessment of the candidates and support our recommendations when they go to the polls next month."
0UR PROCESS: The Great Schools Initiative (GSI) first sent lengthy questionnaires to all 22 candidates for the Flint Board. Sixteen candidates responded: it is noteworthy that none of the incumbent board members were among the respondents: therefore, none of them were eligible for endorsement. A representative panel of members from across the city reviewed the responses and determined that ten had the skills, the experience and the ability to be good Board of Education members. Nine of those ten responded to an invitation for an interview.
After interviews that were open to the entire GSI community, and taking into consideration candidate ratings from all who attended the interviews -- the GSI Election Task Force determined that the five candidates recommended were most able to fulfill the duties of a board member – and of meeting the vision of the Great Schools Initiative report to the community that was written over two years ago – and that was accepted by the Flint Board of Education in spring of 2005.
Great Schools Initiative PO Box 13059
"A vision for the Flint Schools" Flint , Mi 48501
—END PRESS RELEASE–
More endorsed candidate information.
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/
ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FLINT AREA..
What would you like added to this list?
http://attorneybankert.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flintcitizen/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flint_Mich/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Democraticmembership/
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=terrybankert
http://www.downtownflint.com
http://mitube.org/
http://www.eastvillagemagazine.org
http://www.mlive.com/forums/flint/index.ssf
My favorite - Thank You Steve Meyers
http://www.flinttalk.com/
Last edited by terrybankert on Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:08 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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Sun Apr 15, 2007 9:36 am |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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Respopnses to endorsement message
see
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/
From Flint Town Talk
http://www.mlive.com/forums/flint/index.ssf
- - -
10668.1. Thanks for the post Terry by 1. bichin, 4/15/07 12:04 ET
Re: ENDORSEMENT; Great Schools Initiative by trbankert, 4/15/07
I took time to read the profiles of these candidates, they are all very impressive!
As someone born and raised in Flint, and a person who received a great education through its schools - I send my best wishes and support to these candidates.
I also hold great hope that the people of Flint can come together and work with the new board and superintendent to focus on what is most important - the education of all of its children.
Blessings be to all involved.
- - -
10668.1.1. Really, you received a great education by 1. mom23under12, 4/15/07 13:02 ET
Re: ENDORSEMENT; Great Schools Initiative by trbankert, 4/15/07
at the Flint Schools. I wish I could say that. No slam, we should talk about that sometime.
- - -
10668.1.1.1.1. That must be the HUGH difference, as I went to by 1. mom23under12, 4/15/07 13:44 ET
Re: ENDORSEMENT; Great Schools Initiative by trbankert, 4/15/07
school there in the early 80's. Probably the downfall had started. I missed alot of school and graduated with honors, 3.4. As long as I received A's and B's, my parents were happy. Don't get me wrong, my parents were somewhat strict, I actually had the lowest GPA of my sisters and I. I was so bored there sitting in classes, as a senior, with classmates who couldn't read. I couldn't understand how you could be 18 years old and not be able to read. I still don't understand why we pass students on who don't have the skills they need to function in everyday life.
- - -
10668.1.1.1.1.1. Passing through by 1. bichin, 4/15/07 14:24 ET
Re: ENDORSEMENT; Great Schools Initiative by trbankert, 4/15/07
school is something a lot of kids do. Its impossible for a school to hold the kid back if that childs parent(s) don't want them to. There are often disagreements between parents and schools about this.
The difference between the 60s, 80s and now are enormous.
In my day, girls had to wear dresses and boys wore pants. The only designer I knew of was Buster Brown, and that sure dates me. In fact, we wore our Mickey Mouse hats outside and felt cool. LOL
- - -
10668.1.1.1.2. You hit the nail on the head by 1. putch, 4/15/07 22:24 ET
Re: ENDORSEMENT; Great Schools Initiative by trbankert, 4/15/07
Your comment about your family stressing the importance of an education says a mouthful. The way I see it, it's the core fundamental good schools are built on. Without it there is nothing a school district can do to right the ship.
- - - end Flint Town Talk-
From Flint Citizen
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flintcitizen/
RE: Great Schools Initiative endorsements
1. Will the names of the individuals on the GSI Election Task Force / panel be posted here?
Thanks
Bob Mabbitt
Public Development
c phone : 810.569.4778
o phone : 810.767.9494
d phone : 810.239.3008
e mail : rmabbitt810@sbcglobal.net
w site : http://www.MiTube.org
Last edited by terrybankert on Tue Apr 17, 2007 8:57 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:37 am |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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BANKERT VOTER GUIDE
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/
4/16/06 Flint School Board Campaign Update
Your recent candidate information below.
Great Schools Initiative ( GSI) Endorsement comments below.
Forward to your friends and tell 10 people today how important it is to vote on May 8th for the Flint School Board Candidates
Posted here by Terry Bankert with regular campaign updates.
“I am a member of GSI and advocating its endorsement.”
Other candidate interviews can be found on the sites below. “
Forward to your friends or send me your email lists and I will send this for you.
For comments directly to me,
attorneybankert@yahoo.com
4/16/07
For additional information, about Great Schools post your question here for general comments or contact:
Jim Richardson, spokesperson
Great Schools Initiative
rmjrichardson@sbcglobal.net
Or, Phone, 348-5331
If you have questions for the candidate post here or contact them directly.
The Great Schools Group recommends five candidates
for May 8th Flint School Board election
The Great Schools Initiative, an interracial citizen group that has advocated for a vision of sound education in the Flint School System and has been active for nearly three years, has completed a long and open review process that has resulted in their recommendation of the following candidates for the May 8th Flint School Board election.
For the 1 year term: (one person to be elected)
-DILLARD–DILLARD–DILLARD
Jennifer Dillard
1821 Penbrook Lane Flint Mi. 48507 239-3432
email address needed
Video Interview posted on” MiTube”, A Michigan Public Media Project of Public Development
http://mitube.org/view_video.php?viewkey=3dff4b38fc8d2872f1ec
Also posted with text and comments
“the uncommon SENSE”
http://www.downtownflint.com
For the 2 year term: (one person to be elected)
-CROSS-CROSS-CROSS-
Michael Cross
1730 Woodburne Drive Flint Mi. 48503 766-4153
CrossSchoolBoard@aol.com
Maintains a DAILEY campaign log at
http://flinttalk.com/viewforum.php?f=2
Video Interview posted on” MiTube”, A Michigan Public Media Project of Public Development
http://mitube.org/view_video.php?viewkey=4caaed33c36b1b5fc2cb
Also posted with text and comments
“the uncommon SENSE”
http://www.downtownflint.com
For the four year term (three to be elected)
-BASHIR-BASHIR-BASHIR-
Fred Bashir
Video Interview posted on” MiTube”, A Michigan Public Media Project of Public Development
http://mitube.org/view_video.php?
Also posted with text and comments
“the uncommon SENSE”
http://www.downtownflint.com
- - -
-LOCKETT-LOCKETT-LOCKETT
Antoinette Lockett
1737 Laurel Oak Court Flint Mi. 48507 232-0315
ansalockett@comcast.net
Video Interview posted on” MiTube”, A Michigan Public Media Project of Public Development
http://mitube.org/view_video.php?viewkey=421734881b53e1e1b18b
Also posted with text and comments
“the uncommon SENSE”
http://www.downtownflint.com
- - -
-TOPPING-TOPPING-TOPPING-
John Topping
1061 E. Vernon Dr. Flint Mi. 48503 239-1313
attorneytopping@yahoo.com
Video Interview posted on” MiTube”, A Michigan Public Media Project of Public Development
http://mitube.org/view_video.php?viewkey=fedad7bbbed0eca3fe2e
Also posted with text and comments
“the uncommon SENSE”
http://www.downtownflint.com
____
Don’t wait to follow just lead!
Terry Bankert
attorneybankert@yahoo.com
4/16/07
ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FLINT AREA..
What would you like added to this list?
“the uncommon SENSE” Flints best alternative newspaper
http://www.downtownflint.com
MiTube, A Michigan Public Media Project of Public Development
http://mitube.org/
Best Neighborhood News here at East Village Magazine
http://www.eastvillagemagazine.org
Flint Town Talk
http://www.mlive.com/forums/flint/index.ssf
My favorite - Thank You Steve Meyers for Flint Talk
http://www.flinttalk.com/
Flint Citizen Internet Advocacy
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flintcitizen/
Flint_Mich · Flint's alternative source for news...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flint_Mich/
Other Bankert stuff, business promotion justifies time spent on internet advocacy.
Contact Bankert through his Family Law web site at
http://attorneybankert.com/
Bankert is 2007 Genesee County Democratic membership chair, Join us at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Democraticmembership/
Bankert vlogg archive
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=terrybankert
TRB |
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Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:38 am |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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From the Flint Journal 4/16/07. The article contained information on all candidate. Go to the site for the complete story.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-0/117673501492290.xml&coll=5
Here I will edit down to the GSI endorsed candidated Jennifer Dillard. Nothing was added...
Posted here by
Terry Bankert
---
FLINT - All three newcomers vying for a one-year seat on the Flint Board of Education expressed varying degrees of support for the reform plan backed by the current board.
Parent Jennifer Dillard said she strongly supports the plan...
Superintendent Walter Milton Jr.'s sweeping reform plan included school
closings, curriculum changes, grade reconfigurations at the secondary level and creation of an academy for high-achieving students and another with same-sex classrooms. ...
Dillard, 34, disagreed. She said enrollment wouldn't be down so much if the district worked harder to solve truancy problems.
"I think we need to focus our efforts on the kids instead of closing those buildings," she said. "Let's bring these kids back into the schools. Let's get them back off the street."
She said she would cut spending on staff training by sending fewer teachers to conferences.
...
***
Jennifer Dillard Age: 34
1. Work: Children's protective services/drug court supervisor for Department of Human Services in Genesee County.
Education: Flint Northern High School graduate; bachelor's degree in social work; master's degree in public administration from University of Michigan-Flint.
Community involvement: Title I parent group at Neithercut Elementary School; member of Family Worship Center Church in Flint; volunteer at Bryant Elementary School.
Family: Married. Three children, two of school age: a Neithercut Elementary fourth-grader and a Southwestern Academy ninth-grader.
—end—
Posted here by
Terry Bankert
attorneybankert@yahoo.com |
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Tue Apr 17, 2007 5:46 am |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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Good Evening Flint
4/17/07
Terry Bankert
The following is the part of the 4/17/07 Flint Journal Article on the two year candidates. The link is cited you can read the entire article. Here I am providing only the information on Dr. Cross who has been endorsed by the Great Schools Initiative (GSI).
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION Tuesday, April 17, 2007
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1176832203117810.xml&coll=5
FLINT - Two of the five candidates running for a two-year Flint Board of Education seat would ax the current school reform plan, while a third contender is open to a new vision from a new superintendent.
And two of the people running in the May 8 election said they hope they can help improve the district and send their children to Flint schools.
Their children now attend private or charter schools. ...And newcomer Dr. Michael D. Cross, a veterinarian, said more data and time are needed to determine if Milton's plan is working.
Milton's reform program significantly changed the district by creating new curricula, integrating middle schools into high schools, eliminating the popular Challenge Program and magnet schools, and opening a classical academy and gender-based schools.
The plan is in its first year....
Cross... said they want to help restore pride in Flint schools and get their children in the school system.
"I am a huge proponent of the Flint Community Schools and public schools in general, and yet I don't currently feel comfortable sending my child," Cross, 39, said in an e-mail to The Flint Journal. "This is the reason I'm running. I won't be satisfied until I am proud to send my children."
Cross's daughter, 6, goes to a private school; he also has a 3-year-old. His wife, Kimberly, is principal of Carpenter Road Elementary School.
He said his wife's job would not interfere with his service if he's elected.
"My responsibility is to voters, the citizens of Flint who have elected me," said Cross, who posts a daily log at www.flinttalk.com and has a campaign Web site, www.drcrossflintschools.com.
"Anybody who thinks it will be a conflict of interest, I can assure them they will be proven wrong." ...
Dr. Michael D. Cross Age: 39
Work: Owner of Cross Veterinary Clinic in Grand Blanc Township and director of veterinary technology program at Baker College of Flint
Education: Southwestern High School graduate; bachelor's degree in biology and doctor of veterinary medicine from Michigan State University; master's degree in business administration from Baker College
Community involvement: Science review committee for Flint Area Science Fair; chairman of shelter operations for the Humane Society of Genesee County.
Family: Married. Two children: 6-year-old at Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Burton, plan to send 3-year-old to Flint schools.
—end
Posted Here 4/17/07
by Terry Bankert
attorneybankert@yahoo.com
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/ |
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Tue Apr 17, 2007 8:13 pm |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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Good Evening Flint 4/17/07
by Terry Bankert
attorneybankert@yahoo.com
From my email
- - -
On this calendar, there are three fund-raisers for our GSI endorsed candidates: we should try to get this information out to all of our mailing list and encourage folks to attend one or all of them if possible.
Thur - April 19th Luigi's Michael Cross 4:00 - 7:00 $25
Thur - April 19th White Horse Tavern Jennifer Dillard 5:00 - 8:30 $20
Sat - April 21st Pierce Center / Golf Course Fred Bashir 9:00 am pancake bkfst $ ?
An endorsement is ONLY worth the effort / help / $$ / that accompany it. Our voice is worth a lot; but our voice plus our effort is worth a LOT, LOT, more!
Jack Minore
610 Commonwealth Ave
Flint, MI 48503
810 - 235-1490
jacksonmin@aol.com
- - -
More on our GSI endorsed candidates at
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/
Here is a thought!
Imagine how powerful it will be for you to take action in this election.
How?
The Bankert voter guide gives you candidate contact information, phone numbers and email addresses . Make contact and say you will help? We all started this way. Its your turn.
1.Hand out literature. We all started that way. Its your turn.
2.Contribute to the campaign of your choice. Any amount. Stamps are half a buck. Give what you can. We all started this way. Its your turn.
3. Tell 10 friends how important this May 8th school board election will be. This is called persuasion as opposed to get out the vote. We all started out this way. Its your turn.
4. Email to your friends this email. Or send their email addresses to me and I will email. This is called voter contact, friend to friend. We all started this way.
Don’t wait to follow just lead!
And just in
case you missed my point.
IT’S YOUR TURN!
TRB
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/ |
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Tue Apr 17, 2007 9:50 pm |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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Posted here by Terry Bankert
From
Flint Town Talk
http://www.mlive.com/forums/flint/index.ssf
---
10693. Flint Parents?
by bichin, 4/18/07 8:20 ET
How many of you have taken the time to look at the candidates running for the Board?
Making an informed choice, by looking at the candidates, and voting for who you feel is best - is the MOST powerful way for your voice to be heard.
I know that with working, shuttling kids and everything else life brings on - it makes it difficult to find time for research and even sometimes we might feel that voting in these smaller elections isn't important.
While this isn't a vote to elect the President - it is THE most important election for parents who care about the quality of education their child receives in school. This VOTE is an opportunity you can't afford to miss!
If you are a sane, rationale person, and are able to take time to research perhaps you too will feel strongly that the GSI endorsed candidates are pretty impressive. The GSI has been around for a few years. Their group has been researching the issues, identifying the needs. Their people felt strongly enough to take time to research all the Board candidates. The group is made up of sane, rationale people.
After you've looked at all the links that have been posted about GSI - be even more powerful and help inform your family and neighbors and most important make sure they get to the polls to VOTE.
Sane, rationale people know that the problems in Flint have been dissected and discussed long enough. It's time to find people who understand the details, people who are committed to resolving the issues, people who care about ALL the children in Flint.
I found these people and it is the GSI Endorsed Candidates. Look for yourself, I'd like to know what you think.
Sane, rationale replies only requested please. LOL
-
10693.1. Loco
by CarpeCunnus, 4/18/07 9:15 ET
Re: Flint Parents? by bichin, 4/18/07
Bichin,
I'm completely insane and irrational and I'm STILL voting for the GSI candidates. 
--
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10693.2. did you stop to think? by 1. namloheromel, 4/18/07 14:15 ET
Re: Flint Parents? by bichin, 4/18/07
I have looked at all of the candidates, and believe that I am prepared to make an informed decision. However, I am concerned that a decision on the interim superintendent choice will be made the day AFTER elections. Who's to say disgruntled incumbents not re-elected won't screw the district on the way out?
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10692.1. they should chose BEFORE elections by 1. namloheromel, 4/18/07 14:22 ET
Re: Leader needed... by trbankert, 4/18/07
The board should choose the interim candidate BEFORE school board elections.
---
Saturday, April 21, Pancake Breakfest Fundraiser for Flint School Board Candidate Fred Bashir. Pierce Community Center (Also Pierce Golf Course) 2302 Brookside Drive at starting at 9:00am. Fred is running for the 4 year term
- - -
Posted here
Terry Bankert
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/ |
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Wed Apr 18, 2007 8:26 am |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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Good Morning Flint
4/18/07
by Terry Bankert
attorneybankert@yahoo.com
See Voter Guide at
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/
School Board Candidate fundraisers. Stamps and yard signs are expensive. Stop by one or all of the following fundraisers. Meet the people who will turn our school system around.
Volunter, contact the campaigns directly by email or phone.
Thursday, April 19, Fundraiser for Flint School Board Candidate Dr. Michael Cross. 4-:00 to 7:00 PM, Luigi’s/ El Toro ’s restaurant at the corner of Davison Road and Vernon Avenue . Dr. Cross is a candidate for the 2 year term. Suggested donation $25..
1730 Woodburne Drive Flint Mi. 48503 766-4153
CrossSchoolBoard@aol.com
Thursday, April 19, Fundraiser for Flint School Board Candidate Jennifer Dilliard. White Horse Tavern, 5pm-8:30pm. Jennifer is running for the 1 year term and is the daughter in law of long time Democrat Mary Dilliard. Donation $20.
Jennifer Dillard
1821 Penbrook Lane Flint Mi. 48507 239-3432
email address needed
Saturday, April 21, Pancake Breakfest Fundraiser for Flint School Board Candidate Fred Bashir. Pierce Community Center (Also Pierce Golf Course) 2302 Brookside Drive at starting at 9:00am. Fred is running for the 4 year term
Fred W. Bashir 1916 S. Averill Ave. Flint Mi. 48503 744-0958 4
year.
fwbashir@yahoo.com
Also
Antoinette Lockett
1737 Laurel Oak Court Flint Mi. 48507 232-0315
ansalockett@comcast.net
John Topping
1061 E. Vernon Dr. Flint Mi. 48503 239-1313
attorneytopping@yahoo.com
From the Flint Journal on 4/17/07
---
Flint field is jammed
Three 4-year school board seats draw 13
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITIONWednesday, April 18, 2007
By Melissa Burden and Bob WheatonJournal Staff Writers
[For the complete article see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1176907815212530.xml&coll=5&thispage=1
Here it has been edited down... to the GSI endorsed candidates by Bankert]
FLINT - It's the largest field of contenders and the one with the most potential to affect the Board of Education for years to come.
Voters on May 8 will decide which candidates they want for a trio of four-year terms on the nine-seat board.
....
Many newcomers, also not surprisingly, say it's time for changes.
...
"Considering the number of people that are running, I think that's reflective of some things that the board may or may not be doing," said newcomer Antoinette Lockett, 46, a cosmetologist.
...
Outgoing Superintendent Walter Milton Jr.'s reform plan is in its first year but has dramatically changed the district by integrating middle schools into high school buildings and dropping the popular Challenge Program, magnet schools and the Help One Student to Succeed reading/mentoring program.
... John L. Topping Jr., 62, said they hope to restore HOSTS.
Topping, an attorney with a daughter at Central Academy and whose wife is a teacher in the district, also would like to see the magnet and Challenge programs restored.
....
Fred W. Bashir, 68, a retired GM supervisor, said most current board members seem to be "rubber-stamping" proposals.
"On a scale from one to 10, I'd grade them about a five, maybe a four," he said.
Bashir is the brother of Linda Thompson, the district's executive director of school transition. He said it would create no conflict if he served on the school board because he'd make a reasonable decision on anything that affected her department, just as he would with any matter.
- - - end
Posted Here
4/18/07
by Terry Bankert
attorneybankert@yahoo.com
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/ |
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Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:52 am |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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Group endorses school board candidates
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITIONMonday, April 16, 2007
By Melissa Burdenmburden@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6316
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1176736833170910.xml&coll=5#continue
FLINT-The Great Schools Initiative, a group advocating quality education, has endorsed all newcomers for the Flint Board of Education election May 8.
The group is supporting Jennifer Dillard for the one-year seat, Dr. Michael D. Cross for the two-year seat and Fred W. Bashir, Antoinette Lockett and John L. Topping Jr. for the four-year seats.
A news release from the group said it sent questionnaires to all candidates and 16 responded. None of the four incumbents seeking re-election responded to the questionnaire, so they weren't eligible for endorsements, the release said.
Ten candidates were asked to interview, and nine did. A GSI task force felt the five candidates endorsed would best fulfill board member duties and meet the GSI vision for Flint schools, which the board accepted in spring 2005.
Twenty-one candidates are running for five open seats.
- Melissa Burden
—end–
Learn more about these candidates at
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/ |
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Fri Apr 20, 2007 3:32 am |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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Good Evening Flint
4/22/07
Posted here by Terry Bankert
attorneybankert@yahoo.com
Election information at
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/
- - -
Flint school board
Electing old and new faces best strategy for this body
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, April 22, 2007
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1177264268148270.xml&coll=5#continue
[Posted here only information concerning candidates endorsed by (GSI) is included. Information deleted is shown by ... nothing was added.-Terry Bankert 4/21/07]
The Flint schools have had a stressful 18 months under Superintendent Walter Milton Jr., who won't be around to see how his far-reaching reforms work out - having taken the top school post in Springfield, Ill.
It will be up to the Board of Education to judge what's good or bad about the changes he installed, not always with sufficient attention to detail and buy-in from staff.
The latter also can be said of some of the board incumbents running in the May 8 election. They, too, could have been more questioning of Milton's methods, which produced some helter-skelter student shifts and other innovations that often showed too little concern for how students and parents were affected.
It's not necessarily that their motives are wrong, but good intentions also require a commensurate ability to think strategically so wise policy is set. Board members should be willing to lead, but must recognize, too, that they are accountable for the district's management and to its customers. Unfortunately, increasing numbers of them have been exiting the system and subsequently worsening its deficit.
With the above in mind, The Flint Journal's Editorial Board believes new leadership is needed on the nine-member board, not a wholesale change, but additions that would add strengths and different perspectives. Our recommendations for the five seats available follow.
One-year term: Jennifer Dillard, 34, has strong professional and parenting experiences that give her grass-roots knowledge of the district and many of the troubled families it serves. She is a Children's Protective Services supervisor for the Genesee County Department of Human Services who has been active in the schools individually and with her church. A supporter of the schools' reform plan, she says it could have been carried out more smoothly. Billing herself as solution-focused, Dillard stresses the need to get parents involved and their children in the classroom.
Two-year term: Michael D. Cross, 39, has the big-picture-thinking skills too lacking on the board now. He also shows a temperament to analyze issues based on data, not emotion. Yet his participation in a student mentoring program reveals both compassion and a passion to see the schools improve. Owner of a veterinary business, Cross is also director of the veterinary technology program at Baker College. The credentials this Southwestern High graduate offers should not be overlooked by voters.
... four-year terms:... John L. Topping Jr.
...Topping, 62, an attorney, would offer a different vision than the two incumbents, but with no less desire for raising the schools' performance. He would be a questioning voice, but in a responsible way, to the reform plan changes.
- - -
Posted here by
Terry Bankert
4/22/07
attorneybankert@yahoo.com
Election information at
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/ |
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Sun Apr 22, 2007 5:17 pm |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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Reminder---
Flint School Candidates election May 8th
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
6:30 - 9PM
Mott Community College- Regional Technology Center
1401 E. Court St. Flint, MI 48503
Cosponsored by:
Flint Area Public Affairs Debates:
Baker College, Flint Community Schools, Genesee Intermediate School
District, Kettering University, Michigan State University
Cooperative Extension, Mott Community College, The Flint Club,
University of Michigan- Flint.
&
The League of Women Voters of the Flint Area
for details see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flintcitizen/message/844
Posted here by
attorneybankert@yahoo.com |
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Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:46 pm |
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terrybankert
F L I N T O I D
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ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE...........
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From the Flint Journal 4/25/07
Comments about the candidate endorsed by the Great School Initiative
Great Schools Initiative ( GSI)
http://bankertsvoterguide.blogspot.com/
For the 1 year term: (one person to be elected)
-DILLARD–DILLARD–DILLARD
Jennifer Dillard
For the 2 year term: (one person to be elected)
-CROSS-CROSS-CROSS-
Michael Cross
For the four year term (three to be elected)
-BASHIR-BASHIR-BASHIR-
Fred Bashir
-LOCKETT-LOCKETT-LOCKETT
Antoinette Lockett
-TOPPING-TOPPING-TOPPING-
John Topping
[The full article can be found at the following site. Information deleted shown as .... non was added.-TRB]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1177516253323610.xml&coll=5&thispage=1
....Cross, a veterinarian with a child at Holy Redeemer Catholic School, didn't respond to... comments during the forum, which had a format in which candidates answered prepared questions rather than debate each other.
...
During the forum, Cross said the school district should survey parents of children who leave the school district to find out why.
Among the other issues discussed at Tuesday's forum were which parts of the district's school-reform plan work and which don't, the district's projected $13-million budget deficit for next year and the qualifications needed for the next school superintendent.
....
At one point, Cleaves compared Flint school officials to a politician he has frequently criticized.
"Yeah, some mistakes were made," he said of the implementation of the reform plan. "George Bush has certainly made some mistakes, and he's still holding his seat."
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TRB: GOODBYE HERBERT CLEAVES, by the way Bush lost the midterm elections and his power in congress , his vice president has just had impeachment charges filed against him. Appropriate comparison ....
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Posted Here by
Terry Bankert 4/25/07
attorneybankert@yahoo.com |
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Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:48 am |
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jackson
F L I N T O I D
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| As to the idea that the schools should survey those leaving to find out why they left: at a Board meeting several months ago, one Board member asked for that to happen. The Superintendent promised that it would be done and that the Board would have responses in "a couple of months". To the best of my knowledge: (a) The administration did not do a survey, and (b) the Board failed to follow up and demand it. One of the problems with this Board is that they have, in my opinion, failed to demand accountability from the Super & the Administration. One common thread among most of the challengers is that they will ask the tough questions and demand the answers. |
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Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:47 am |
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Adam Ford
F L I N T O I D
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Perhaps some of the endorsed candidates could ask each other or the other borad members why they pulled their children from Flint schools. Cross why did you pull out your child from Flint schools? Let's begin by surveying you.
Did you pull out your children Jackson?
If I had a school board full of outsiders I'd definately be concerned about sending my kids to Flint schools.
Since I'm a newer resident to Flint I guess I'm still not used to the outside the box thinking we have by groups like GSI. In Davison the school board candidates actually send their kids to Davison schools so they don't have the advantage of candidates like Cross in Flint to understand why parents pull their kids out. Oh yeah, parents rarely ever pull their children out of Davison schools.
I think it is time for a change in Flint. It's time for Flint Pride. We all know where Cleaves kids graduated from but if you need a hint it wasn't a charter school. |
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Adam Ford
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Thu Apr 26, 2007 3:50 pm |
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Biggie9
F L I N T O I D
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I am not aware of impeachment charges being filed against Cheney, Terry. Is this a Bankert scoop on all the press? I haven't seen ANYTHING, and certainly that event would have been reported throughout the mainstream press.
be that as it may....
I noted Mr AC Dumas trying very hard to debase candidates based upon whether they have:
a. Children CURRENTLY NOT enrolled in the FCS as unworthy of consideration.
b. Candidates NOT having voted in some?/all previous school board elections [other elections?].
This is on its face a superficial and misguided attempt to cast some candidates as what? unworthy? incapable?....
There are so many levels that this is inappropriate thinking its hard to imagine where to begin.
By Mr Dumas' criteria, only those people with children CURRENTLY in the district could possibly be capable or motivated to do a good job. I suspect then, this would have precluded a number of previous board candidates from serving based on this criteria. I presume too, that Mr Dumas CURRENTLY has children attending FCS, because if not, then he too should not be considered. [I presume Cleaves is also not qualified since he no longer has children attending FCS].
See how silly this is starting to appear? By that criteria, if Jesus Christ himself returned to earth and appeared here to help guide us to fix the schools, Mr Dumas would have us reject him because, heck, he doesn't even have any kids much less in the FCS.
No, most clear thinking people recognize that it takes ability and motivation to do a job. ANYONE who has applied as a candidate should be given the benefit of the doubt as to having satisfied the second criterion. Now its up to us to evaluate whether each has the ability and who among them may have the superior capability over the others.
Fact is, when candidates mention they DON'T have children in the district, I hold them in SPECIAL regard. Why? Well its easy to assume that candidates with children in the FCS have a vested interest in running. But for a person to do so without that, well they must be something special to be willing to volunteer the time and energy to give of themselves when they don't have that given vested interest. The most common behavior is for people to respond to their own interests. Its less common behavior to see people act in the interests of OTHERS first, instead of themselves. Those people usually are unselfish leaders. Sorry that point appears to be lost on people like Cleaves and now surprisingly, Mr Dumas.
Finally, I would never suppose to judge other people's religious beliefs and their actions based on those, just I would not want others to judge mine. So, if a person wants to send their children to a school that combines religious training and values, and still wanted to run for the school board because they think they had something to contribute; I would hold them in even higher regard than I would YOU and your exclusionary beliefs. Hopefully people will prefer UNSELFISH, INCLUSIVE AND CAPABLE leaders, over others who would divide and exclude. There is a far greater likelihood of finding a solution with the former than with the latter. Sorry you can't see that.
With regards to the second point about voting records, well first lets be sure to make sure that people were eligible to vote in those elections, and that they were capable. While it is generally better to be an active voter than not; its even better to be an informed voter than not. To go and vote and not know who, or why you are voting for is, IMO, as big an offense as not voting at all.
So whats an acceptable excuse? If they were seriously ill, or a significant event, accident, death, business/work conflicts etc occurred do we give them a pass Mr Dumas, or do we still punish them? You've seen to have acted as cop, prosecutor, judge and jury...do you know why they have the voting record they do? No, you just went right to the punishment stage. Hang 'em high, huh, AC? What is acceptable? miss once per every XX years? never? what is it in your mind Mr Dumas.
I am reminded of a saying:
"Its never too late to do the right thing"
While I'll let those others respond, about their voting record [and I think they should]; I'll say this: as far as being "a sinner" by not voting, if you were lost then, and now are found, welcome back.
To guys like AC, who always voted and we'll assume, always knew what they were doing, good job, AND be careful of becoming too prideful, it is a sin. |
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Biggie |
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Thu Apr 26, 2007 4:03 pm |
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