I’ve changed my mind. In Kettering Ward 4, until just the last couple of days, I was set to vote for the long serving incumbent, Bruce Duke, to return to the Kettering City Council. But, now, I’ve decided to vote for the challenger, Lisa Crosley. What pushed me to this decision was Duke’s refusal to respond to Mrs. Crosley’s eight point plan. Frankly, his refusal left me flabbergasted.
Yes, I know that Mrs. Crosley is aligned with the Dayton Tea Party. As the elected Democratic Party Ward 4 leader, and Vice President of the South of Dayton Democratic Club, my fellow Democrats, I realize, generally, expect me to oppose the growth of Tea Partyism here in Kettering, and will probably be surprised that I’m voting for Mrs. Crosley. But, I hope they will hear me out.
Two years ago, I sought election to the Kettering School Board. My basic premise then, as now: We need to return to the notion that a local system of public education should be under local control. We need a school board that will have some gumption to show leadership and represent the general community, not simply the educational establishment. We need a school board that will create a long term vision that will develop Kettering’s capacity for transforming public education.
We can’t get such a school board until we first of all get a vitalized and active citizenry that decides to work together as a meaningful community. Local control is only possible and only makes sense in the context of a vitalized community. We belong to our small groups within the community — churches, clubs, political parties — but we really don’t have a Kettering community. In this election season we had one public meeting of “Meet the Candidates,” attended almost entirely by friends and family members of the candidates, along with elected leaders. This election season is another missed opportunity: we’ve failed to have a community discussion about our public schools or our city government.
I was impressed by the thoughtfulness of Mrs. Crosley’s campaign materials. I loved her headline, that she seeks to offer leadership focused on, “Thinking About Tomorrow.” Preparing her materials, I’m sure, was time consuming and expensive. Mrs. Crosley should be praised for her efforts, for her civic minded action and specific proposals. If our community had any vitality, these proposals would be discussed and analyzed by informed and active citizens.
Most Kettering campaigns simply involve yard signs and harmless slogans. I appreciate the fact that Mrs. Crosley is offering some substantial ideas. The point is not whether, or not, her proposals should be adopted. The point is, Mrs. Crosley’s campaign heralds this news: Someone cares enough about the future of Kettering to try to start a valuable and needed conversation. Someone cares enough to attempt to create dialogue, cares enough to attempt to create a community of people who will actually discuss ideas.
Mr. Duke’s regal response to me — “I choose not to discourse on a blog” — is baffling. If not on the internet, where does he propose to have discourse? My conclusion is that Mr. Duke is making a political calculation and believes that simply ignoring Mrs. Crosley is smart politics. But Kettering doesn’t need leadership built on “smart politics,” we needs leadership willing to do the hard work needed to build strong and thoughtful community. I see addressing Mrs. Crosley’s proposals as a way to begin a valuable discussion. Mr. Duke’s refusal to do so, I feel, deserves to be protested. So, he has lost my vote.
A victory for Mrs. Crosley, I believe, would inspire meaningful discussion in Kettering and from such discussion could arise a better and more connected community. Building a vitalized community of thoughtful citizens is the key to Kettering’s future. I’ve surprised myself. In Ward 4, I’ve decided a vote for Lisa Crosley for Kettering City Council as the best choice to help Kettering move forward.
From two years ago:
- Incumbents’ Refusal To Participate In Public Forum Reveals The Weak State Of Our Democracy, By Mike Bock, on October 29th, 2009
- At Kettering’s LWV Community Meeting, Incumbent School Board Members Defend “ZERO Tax Increase” Ad, By Mike Bock, on October 22nd, 2009
- The Kettering School Board Election Is A Contest Between Two Very Different Points Of View, By Mike Bock, on October 20th, 2009
Mike, you had my respect before today but this move is class act. All I can say is that when the day comes when my principles clash with what most Republicans expect me to do, I hope I can act as you have.
Mike, your confidence in me is greatly appreciated. Should enough voters feel as you do, and elect me to the City Council, I extend my hand to all citizens whatever their party affiliation to rally together around IDEAS, rather than labels, as we all seek to build a vibrant Kettering.
Lisa Crosley
Candidate, Kettering City Council, District 4
Mike, Since our first meeting, I believed you have the best interest of our community at heart. I have shared with you in the past that I thought you conveyed honesty in thought and intent. That is the reason I supported your candidacy with my vote. To publically support Lisa Crosley’s candidacy is as mentioned above….A CLASS ACT.
Mike, I am encouraged by your thoughtful response to Lisa Crosley’s campaign. As a close friend to Lisa, I can attest to the fact that she has, indeed, put a lot of time and thought into this campaign. She has walked Ward 4 to meet with residents and talk openly about her ideas for a more connected, vitalized, forward-thinking Kettering! As a resident of Kettering for the last 28 years, I support Lisa Crosley in her run for City Council. My regret is that I do not live in Ward 4, and therefore, I cannot cast my vote for Lisa Crosley. My prayer is that she will win!