Letter: Elections a Time to 'End Politics of Dysfunction' on Ed Board

This is our chance to finally end the politics of dysfunction on the Greenwich Board of Education.
 
For too many years the Board has been characterized by internal tensions, personal attacks and repeated accusations of wrongdoing.

Peter Sherr, the only incumbent member of the BOE on the ballot this fall, has been a full member of this dysfunctional Board for the past four years, and has even acknowledged what he himself termed "a complete failure of leadership by everyone" on the Board, including himself and his fellow political mentor and ally, former Board member Marianna Ponns Cohen (see Greenwich Time, May 19, 2011).  Together Peter Sherr and Marianna Ponns Cohen have worked together as a Tea Party caucus on the BOE, employing obstructionist tactics and creating an enduring obstacle to progress for the BOE and Greenwich schools.  Mrs. Ponns Cohen was overwhelmingly defeated by the voters in her bid for re-election two years ago (she finished dead last), but Mr. Sherr has continued the Tea Party tactics of his ally over the past two years, and will do so for the next four years if given the opportunity.

We can do better.  On November 5, it's time to elect new leadership.  Peter Bernstein and Brian Peldunas, the two Republican-endorsed candidates for the BOE, are both accomplished professionals, highly knowledgable about the educational challenges of the Greenwich public school system, and committed to working productively with other Board members and Superintendent McKersie to find the best solutions for Greenwich schools.

Let's say no to the politics of dysfunction, no to the years of attacks and recriminations, no to the Tea Party tactics of Peter Sherr and Marianna Ponns Cohen.

Let's elect Peter Bernstein and Brian Peldunas to the BOE and start a new chapter for Greenwich students and Greenwich schools.

Mike Bocchino
President, New Lebanon PTA
Chairman, Byram Neighborhood Association