LETTER: Why I’m Voting for Shannon Dunham

October 30, 2013

DEAR EDITOR,

I am writing in response to the recent letter in support of Tamsey Ellis for the School Board from District 1.  Shannon Dunham possesses valuable attributes which none of the other candidates running for the School Board have. Namely, she has a vested interest in the school system in that she has three young children who are approaching school age. The need to have a balance on the School Board which would include young parents is essential for a board which should represent all of the community. The notion that she would not devote the necessary time to the School Board if elected is ludicrous.

The value of having a lawyer on the School Board cannot be overestimated, as Shannon would be able to make certain that policies and decisions made by the Board are in fact legal, and the Board would not have to go back and re-work decisions which would in fact be illegal without her guidance.

The writer is bothered by the request made by Mrs. Dunham to postpone the trial date for Tonya Bundick to allow more time to provide an adequate defense. In high-profile cases such as this one, it is common for defense attorneys to make such a motion. I believe such a request shows the due diligence which all of us would want if we were being represented by a lawyer in any legal case.

The writer also denigrates Mrs. Dunham for remarks she made concerning the ultimate use of the legal system against some parents. Evidently the writer cannot conceive of parents who cannot be bothered to get up in the morning to get their children ready for school, both dressed and fed. She does not understand that there are children of all ages who are basically raising themselves in our community. If it is necessary for the welfare of the children to involve the legal system with such parents, that path should not go unused.

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The argument that Ms. Ellis, who taught at Broadwater for years, has worked with all types of children here does not compare well with the fact that Shannon attended Northampton County schools, graduating from Northampton High School. During her 13 years in our school system she attended school with all types of children from our community as opposed to a very select type of child who attends private school.

No one doubts the passion of Ms. Ellis in her quest to make our schools better. That same passion is evident in Shannon Dunham.

Finally, Shannon Dunham is a valued member of Friends of Northampton County Public Schools. She has given freely of her time in our effort to make an elected school board a reality in Northampton County. Consider voting for her on November 5th.

RANDALL PARKS
Eastville

Letters to the Editor are welcome, and a diversity of opinions is encouraged. Send submissions to [email protected].