I thank the citizens of Westbury for giving me their confidence to govern their school district. As promised, my mission is to focus the Board on actions that get our students to take control of their learning and ultimately get all students ready for college. I congratulate my running mate, Pedro Quintanilla, for his outstanding victory. I thank all of the candidates that stood up to be evaluated by this community to represent them on the school board. I also thank the incumbent board members Ms. Pierce and Ms. Davis for their years of service to our community.
I cannot rejoice in the prospects of a different future for our district until we resolve the alleged voting rights infractions that occurred during election day. I believe these alleged violations of denying registered voters from voting, asking for identification (driver licenses) of certain voters, and not following the appropriate protocols for provisional or affidavit ballots should make everyone recoil. What allegedly occurred in certain polling locations is reminiscent of what my parents and grandparents endured in the early 1940s and 1960s in the southern United States. We cannot be a successful democracy, let alone a successful school district, if we cannot hold an election process that is fair and equitable for all of our citizens.
I believe these alleged violations have a direct impact on the legitimacy of the outcome of the third board seat. I would like to congratulate Mr. Caines for his victory in the election yet I believe the outcome of his two vote margin over Ms. Cadet is in question. What is unquestionable is Mr. Caine’s service as a board member for that last six years. He has served with distinction and passion for this community and I commend him for that.
I look forward to a quick resolution in this matter so that we all can move forward together.
—Stanton L. Brown, EdD
