Jefferson County Democratic Party – School Board Primary Requested
In a letter delivered to the Jefferson County Election Commission –
After many years the common-sense law requiring school board elections in Tennessee to be non-partisan was changed during the recent special Covid session of the state legislature. The local Republican party had been lobbying for this action for some time, and quickly called for a primary. We are saddened by the divisiveness created by such action. We do not want the education of the children of Jefferson County to become a political minefield.
However, after much thought and discussion regarding the consequences, the Democratic party has also called for a primary election. This action is taken solely out of concern for our children and the future of public education. As we look across our state and our country it is reasonable to be concerned that extremist candidates who do not have the best interest of children and public education as their goal may advance in local primaries. We are committed to finding and supporting candidates for the school board who are fully invested in public education and the welfare of the children of this county.
We hope that any reporting on this action recently taken by the local Democratic party will also include reporting on our core belief that politics has no place in the education of our children. This isn’t a game – the welfare of our children, our future and our community is at stake. We feel compelled to find candidates who are willing to serve and work for the health and safety of all students, teachers and staff. The Democrats in Jefferson County will stand up for the right of all citizens to an excellent public education in Jefferson County.
Laura Mallette
Jefferson County Democratic Party, Chair
