From Deseret News archives:
County races for school board causing a stir
Some incumbents are battling to regain ground lost in the primary election. And a Utah County state school board member who a nominating committee barred from the ballot has mounted an aggressive write-in campaign.
Still, some candidates say voters should pay more attention to school races. The boards handle more than half of people's property tax dollars and about a third of the state budget and call the shots for some 820 schools enrolling nearly 500,000 children.
"It's difficult to get people to pay attention to a state school board race," said State Board of Education candidate David Adamic of Cedar Hills, Utah County. "They should. . . . Most of their money is spent at the local school levels."
State school board District 12 incumbent Mike Anderson, who won the 2000 election by a 2-1 margin, found himself cut from the ballot before he had a chance to run.
A nominating committee, a hurdle Utah law requires only for state school board hopefuls, decided not to forward Anderson's name to the governor, who chooses candidates for the ballot.
Meanwhile, Anderson has mounted a $9,500 write-in campaign that includes door-to-door visits and an electronic freeway sign.
"I'm hoping to make a statement, and I hope it's heard. I feel strongly I have a good shot at this," said Anderson, who touts his issue stands and business background as strengths. "I do not support vouchers or (tuition tax) credits, because I do not support anything that takes away from education."
Opponent Mark Cluff, however, warms to tax credits for private school tuition.
"I think we need to look at them and do a test case," Cluff said. "I'm definitely for competition to see if it will help improve our schools."
Cluff, a software company co-founder, believes his financial background and desire to work with lawmakers on better pay for teachers make him the man for the job. He's spent about $7,300 campaigning, according to state financial disclosures.
Still, Adamic, John Hancock Charter School co-founder, says his insider's view makes him most capable of mending fences between the board and Legislature and innovatively improving education.
Comments
- Bird, Magic inducted into college hall 7:21 p.m.
- Haslem's jumper gets Heat win 7:19 p.m.
- Carter finds 'Magic' touch in win 7:01 p.m.
- Garnett's jumper gives Boston win 6:59 p.m.
- Kansas State beats No. 18 Dayton 6:56 p.m.
- Smith's foul shots help Vols 6:47 p.m.
- Cardinals beat Rams, 21-13 6:44 p.m.
- Transactions 6:39 p.m.
- Chargers rout Broncos, 32-3 6:34 p.m.
- Patriots defense stifles Jets 6:31 p.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Wendover airfield's legacy lost?
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
201 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
181 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
127 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
125 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
the truth | 4:43 p.m Roland is correct. The Community Reinvestment Act as...
Definitely agree with Kirilenko being "Who's hot." But while Fesenko's stats...
I think that the old Deseret Industries was fine the way it was. It had alot...
Florida still #1 good luck MWC
I would be glad to pay him to teach the same material to elected officials at...
Ah, and what a nice final gift it is. Thanks, Dan. And thanks to you, too,...
I think byu will win this one. I know it will be a hard fought game by both...
If you believe abortion is wrong, don't have one. Live by your beliefs. This...
@Anonymous: I wouldn't say pompous dictator. I would say putting his job on...
RE: Tools. I agree with you, I am glad I do not live in Utah also. However,...


You can be the first to comment on this story.