| Of all of the election results from last Saturday, it appears one event has generated inordinate buzz on the twitter-tubes. And it isn't Jindal's landslide victory. In fact, the entire slate of elections turned out to be a snoozer. A couple of interesting run-offs remain, including one in Shreveport that pits a DKF favorite Lydia Jackson against an old-school, vote-for-sale politician in Greg Tarver. But, as out-going (good riddance) Jindal Chief of Staff Timmy Teepell noted: "BESE races are where it's at," said Timmy Teepell, the governor's campaign manager, but also the prime mover behind the GOP Victory Fund, which is spending heavily in BESE campaigns. The Republicans are joined by a deep-pocketed coalition of business groups that are active for the first time in education elections.
And, in this case, we agree. The intrigue about the BESE board surrounds the ascendance of former NYC Deputy Chancellor John White. White comes fresh from the turbulent tenure of NYC Schools Chief Joel Klein, and is a superstar among pro-charter school types. In fact, he's basically their wet dream (and judging by their praise of him, they should check their shorts). White is currently RSD super, meaning he runs the Recovery School District as on an interim basis. Bobby Jindal, however, has plans for this prized servant. He wants White to run all schools in Louisiana. Who has the say over such a decision? Why, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, of course. However, Jindal needs a super-majority of 8 (out of a 11 members) to win White's passage as school czar. Right now, the pro-White forces have a majority 6, with two races still outstanding. Why all this background? Because of this: 
Now, things get a whole lot more interesting. As we've previously covered, the Alliance for Better Classrooms is a PAC backed by Lane Grigsby and other anti-union Baton Rouge folks that have completely bought the Michelle Rhee-isms that dominate our education debate. More importantly, they're carrying water for the Jindal Administration's tact to crush teachers unions and turn public education over to privitized corporate control. Yes, charters are public schools. And yes, they open the door to privitization and the elimination of an egalitarian educational system. Both things CAN be true. Anyway, the question is this: What is Michael Bloomberg doing giving over $100,000 to Louisiana BESE races? The goal is to elect pro-John White electors like Chas Roemer and Kira Orange Jones. But who should be making the decisions for our communities? New York Billionaire Michael Bloomberg or New York refugee Super John White? How about Louisianians? A quick survey of BESE candidates in run-offs shows anti-union, pro-John White candidates are outspending their opponents HUGE: As an example, let's examine BESE 2. which is in South Louisiana, covering parts of New Orleans and the River Parishes: Louella Givens: CoH $9,640 as of Election Day Kira Orange Jones: CoH $74,987 as of 10-days prior PLUS late donations from people like: - DAVID GERGEN, Alexandria, VA -- $2,500 (yes, that CNN guy)
- LAWRENCE STUPSKI, San Francisco, CA-- $2,000 (former head of Charles Schwab)
- DARLA MOORE, Fort Worth, TX -- $5000 (major GOP donor, George W. Bush Friend)
- KATHERINE BRADLEY, Washington, DC -- $2,500 (wife of publishing magnate who owns The Atlantic)
- GREGORY PENNER, Arkansas -- $5000, twice (from he and his wife, Walmart Board member)
- Bloomberg Revocable Trust -- $5000 (trust also gave $100k to ABC PAC)
So, major financiers from elsewhere (all rabid pro-charter donors) are boosting a Louisiana BESE candidate. So what? For once, I guess we have to agree; this is way the game of politics is played. But at some point, doesn't it become hard for us in-state to stomach the fact that our education system's future is compeltely in the hands of a bunch of trust-funders and corporate fat cats? Buying our elections must be rather cheap for these 1%'ers.
The voters will have their say November 19th. |
