In a written statement, Medows cited the underlying reason for the petition to be a need for students, specifically from Hometown, to be geographically represented by board members elected per district. We, at the Suburbanite News find this major discrepancy rather disheartening, especially for Hometown residents. Certainly, you can't trust an official who self-admittedly attempts to use an educational oriented referendum question for their own political purposes. Nor can you trust an official who is not being entirely honest and open with the public regarding the political motivations behind the petition drive. Both of these scenarios are at the cost of local taxpayers and more importantly, the children.
Terms are in place for the very reason of electing new officials.
Using an educational referendum to circumvent an election in this manner is highly questionable from an ethical standpoint. Intentionally preventing duly elected officials from serving their terms, based on politics, is unconstitutional. School Board Vice President Frank Bertucci objected to the petition and based on two Supreme Court cases, the Electoral Board by a 2-1 vote upheld the objection. As it stands now, the referendum will not be on the ballot. We strongly believe that the referendum question does not belong on the ballot.