Petition effort made voices heard
I wanted to sincerely thank all those who helped in our recent petition drive to determine how Anne Arundel County school board members are selected. I would like to extend a special thanks to Del. Tony McConkey and the chairman of Citizens for an Elected School Board, Greg Kline, for their dedication and service to the community.
Over the last month, people from all over the county rallied together to obtain over 6,800 signatures so that your voice would finally be heard on local education and the school board selection process.
Unfortunately, as the petition drive confidently headed toward the final deadline, we were notified that the State Board of Elections had invalidated several hundred of the 6,800 signatures submitted in the first phase. As a result, the required petition totals fell short by 275 signatures and the effort was halted. Despite the setback, your resounding voice was heard loud and clear across the county. This effort was an incredible testimony to you, your hard work and your desire to have a voice in selecting our local school board members.
It was a pleasure meeting so many of you at local shopping centers, community association meetings, school activities, flea markets, sport fields and other events. I am truly encouraged by the overwhelming response from the community and look forward to the day when the school board selection process will mirror the will of the people.
Bryan W. Simonaire Pasadena
The writer is a state senator representing the 31st District.