Is Democracy for Sale?
It would appear that some people - especially wealthy people - believe this is so (and are willing to spend huge sums to prove it).
We have our own examples here in Washington State. Consider our initiative process. In this last cycle, we see nearly every single initiative pushed by a handful of wealthy people. The liquor initiative (I love Costco but this was wrong), the gay marriage referundum, the charter school initiative - it's a sad thing. And, they are not only willing to pay for a campaign but pay to get it on the ballot.
The idea that in Washington State our initiative process is a way for grassroots efforts from citizens to make their voices heard is becoming a joke.
So what's next? Well, just as we have seen the huge money in our presidential election (both sides) and on down, the next thing will be...School Board elections.
We have our own examples here in Washington State. Consider our initiative process. In this last cycle, we see nearly every single initiative pushed by a handful of wealthy people. The liquor initiative (I love Costco but this was wrong), the gay marriage referundum, the charter school initiative - it's a sad thing. And, they are not only willing to pay for a campaign but pay to get it on the ballot.
The idea that in Washington State our initiative process is a way for grassroots efforts from citizens to make their voices heard is becoming a joke.
So what's next? Well, just as we have seen the huge money in our presidential election (both sides) and on down, the next thing will be...School Board elections.
Seattle Schools This Week
Monday, Nov. 5th
Curriculum&Instruction Policy Committee Mtg. (Agenda reviewed by Charlie in an earlier thread).
Wednesday, Nov. 7th
For more info and to register, visit www.roadmaptocollege.org
School Board Meeting, starting at 4:15 pm.
Call starting at 8 am on Monday, Nov. 5th to register for the Speakers list. 252-0040 or
Thursday, Nov. 8th
Audit&Finance Committee Mtg. from 4-6 p.m. Agenda.
Financial updates along with one notation "Change to PTA room rental" - not sure what that might mean. Availability? Cost? Also, the 2013-2014 budget development. Superintendent Banda said at the State of the District event that the district was going to be experiencing a budget shortfall (he gave a number but it seemed so high that I want to check it before I print it).
Friday, Nov. 9th
BEX Oversight Committee mtg from 8:30-10:30 am.
Saturday, Nov 10th
Director Martin-Morris from 9:30-11:30 am at Diva Espresso at Lake City Way/NE 80th
Director Smith-Blum from 10-11:30 am at the Capital Hill Library, 425 Harvard Ave. E.
Curriculum&Instruction Policy Committee Mtg. (Agenda reviewed by Charlie in an earlier thread).
Wednesday, Nov. 7th
Road Map to College: College Application Completion Event
Roosevelt High School from 3 pm to 7 pmFor more info and to register, visit www.roadmaptocollege.org
School Board Meeting, starting at 4:15 pm.
Call starting at 8 am on Monday, Nov. 5th to register for the Speakers list. 252-0040 or
Thursday, Nov. 8th
Audit&Finance Committee Mtg. from 4-6 p.m. Agenda.
Financial updates along with one notation "Change to PTA room rental" - not sure what that might mean. Availability? Cost? Also, the 2013-2014 budget development. Superintendent Banda said at the State of the District event that the district was going to be experiencing a budget shortfall (he gave a number but it seemed so high that I want to check it before I print it).
Friday, Nov. 9th
BEX Oversight Committee mtg from 8:30-10:30 am.
Saturday, Nov 10th
Director Martin-Morris from 9:30-11:30 am at Diva Espresso at Lake City Way/NE 80th
Director Smith-Blum from 10-11:30 am at the Capital Hill Library, 425 Harvard Ave. E.