Senate Bill 94, or Senate Joint Resolution 244, filed this legislative session would amend our state constitution and return Florida to partisan school board elections. In 1998 Florida voters approved a state constitutional amendment creating non-partisan elections. So, why this bill now, which appears to be taking us backwards?
As a constitutionalist, I am not a fan of mucking up our state constitution with amendments with such far reaching effects. This bill would essentially disenfranchise, or remove constitutional rights from our NPA (no party affiliation) citizens who are a large segment of Florida voters. These are stake holders in our educational system with a right to hold a seat at the table.
Why George, by George? Considered the “father of his country,” Washington and our forefathers set out to create a non-partisan political system. In his Farewell Address, Washington warned the American people of the negative impact opposing political parties could have on the country. By 1793 our framers’ system failed as two parties began to emerge in competition with each other.
Today we are experiencing the effects of what Washington feared. Coming from an older generation, Washington couldn’t yet embrace the positive aspects of the parties because he saw the dangers of power and misrepresentation without checks and balances.
School board members elected without a D or an R next to their name are more likely to serve without party pressure, party endorsements or loyalty to the core values and agendas of those groups. These candidates are local citizens, serving closest to the people, who should be judged on their merits and qualifications, just as Washington intended.
If passed, I don’t believe this bill will pass the R, D or NPA voters of the state of Florida and George will be watching.
Tami Lester