Nomination of Special Interest Guilford School Board Candidate May Create Opportunity for Local Conservatives

It was particularly brazen for Guilford County's democratic socialists to nominate a quintessential education establishment candidate to replace Alan Duncan on the school board.

Last weekend, they nominated the executive director of the Guilford Education Alliance-- Winston McGregor-- to take Duncan's seat on the school board and to run in November. The alliance is the embodiment of the education establishment locally. That her nomination is a conflict of interest is irrefutable. EZ Greensboro, for instance, points out that she was intimately involved in the corrupt Say Yes program.

Fortunately, it appears that we have a good alternative. Marc Ridgill, a former Greensboro police officer, will be her opponent. In fact, he is a former school resource officer; and is running on the platform of school safety, protection of students and transparency. I think he would probably be a much better board member than Ms. McGregor.

The idea of a Republican majority on the school board seems difficult to fathom. We cannot have high expectations even if they gain a majority because, after all, they are Republicans. If Ridgill wins, I would hope they can somehow dislodge Deena Hayes-Greene from the chairmanship of the board.

Nonetheless, this remains one of the two most important races in the eastern Triad this year. (The other is the Budd/Manning congressional race.)

Ridgill would add a perspective and voice to the school board that is desperately lacking; and will likely make a positive difference. By contrast, what her opponent represents is a real problem. Ridgill's is a candidacy to get behind and support.

Comments

[Fred Gregory]

Marc is an excellent candidate. Well informed on the issues and can articulate them as well. Lets hope for a big turnout.

[Triad Conservative]

Fred, the education establishment really turns out their troops for the school board races; and this one will especially be their focus. And of course, they will also rely on the other democratic socialist interest groups and the black PAC's in all likelihood. Ridgill has his work cut out for him, but this should be achievable since the vote will be countywide. We shall see.