Hillsborough School Board endorsements

School Board hopefuls have until noon tomorrow to qualify for the election. But it's already too late to get endorsed by the district's union of blue collar workers, the Hillsborough Schools Employees Federation.

HSEF is backing these candidates: District 1: Susan Valdes (incumbent), District 5: Doretha Edgecomb (incumbent), District 7: Stephen Gorham.

It's noteworthy that the union is backing Gorham over Carol Kurdell, a 16-year-veteran facing two challengers. This year's races are shaping up to be quite competitive. Jack Lamb is the only incumbent without a competitor.

Tick tock.

(Photo: Stephen Gorham)

Comments

[La di Da]

Oh how I wish someone would run against Lamb! If I have to hear "and there's another fine ESE educator moving up", I think I will scream! He has done NOTHING for the students and teachers of HCPS.

I don't understand both Pinellas and Hillsborough teacher's unions endorsing before the qualifications are even complete. What's that all about?? How do they know that someone else might not get into these races before end of day tomorrow?

[Chris W]

It wasn't the teachers' union - it was the School Employees Union. Jason Mims is a good man who works hard for minority students; Stephen Gorham is the better candidate to take out Kurdell, though.

[jwt]

Mr. Mims sounds like he's in the rigt place-- though Gorham will do better
against Kurdell. Too bad Mims can't move into Lamb's district--

[Chris W]

jwt - He could, but there isn't enough time. He could always move and run against Candy Olsen or Jennifer Faliero, though.

If he really has the political bug, though, the best thing he could do would be to run against Gwen Miller in the next City Council election.

Kurdell is such a waste of space. Go Stephen!

[Fenway G]

WOW! What a blow to Kurdell. Stephen goes to my Church, he is a well respected member and a good man. He has my vote. Kurdell had her chance, to make a diference, and now that she has no children in Hillsborough County Schools, and has no skin in the game, she is running for the betterment of herself. Stephen with two young daughters runs for the betterment of the children in the county. Bravo to the Union for backing Stephen.

[IJ]

Stephen Gorham is a strong candidate who would really help to make the School Board function as it should, i.e. as the employer of the Superintendent! Ms. Kurdell is a very fine person, but she has so disappointed me by turning into another 'yes' person of 'the system.' We need accountability for one of the largest school districts in the country. It's too late for my grown kids. I had to send them to private schools to get the type of education that all our high schools should provide all of the district's students. You shouldn't have to live in South Tampa or request special assignment to get top notch education for your child. We all pay the same amount of taxes into the system.

[AHenry]

Is this the same Col. Mims that Carol Kurdell named to a position at one of the School Board meetings? Hum? Makes me wonder if someone isn't trying to split the vote because the incumbent was being challenged by a strong contender?

[Fenway G]

Just went to Mims web site . . .he has no kids in Hillsborough County schools as well. He states on his site that he runs because "a majority of the voters may want a change" That is in contrast to Gorhams site that states: "I am fully invested in making sure that not only my children --- but all children in Hillsborough County get the absolute best education possible." Mims is a plant by Kurdell or he is in it for himself. I am sick of politicians like this. . .do research for yourself. Gorham is the ONLY candidate in this race with skin in the game and the best for our kids.

[Mencken Jr]

AHenry - You aren't the first person to wonder that, and it would make sense for Kurdell (or someone who's made a back-room deal with her) to talk Mims into running when he isn't up to the job.

Mims is probably a good guy and within his narrow focus he's an effective minority reading advocate.

But this is almost July, the election is in August, and there is really no evidence at all to indicate that he's thought much about what he'd do as a board member. You can tell that Gorham has put a lot of thought into this, and when you talk to him he sounds much better prepared to be a board member for a countywide seat. Mims would be a better fit for Doretha Edgecomb's seat.

More and more this sounds like someone who was talked into running to protect an incumbent who doesn't deserve to be there anymore.

A vote for Jason Mims is a vote to return Carol Kurdell to the board so she can continue to be condescending and dismissive to parents, teachers, and voters. The only real choice is Stephen Gorham.

[Old Salt]

Congratulations Stephen! They have made the right choice.
To those of you who don’t know Stephen you need to take the time and meet him.
Steven is a dedicated husband and father, who really cares about the community. He has served his country unselfishly and will do the same for the School Board when elected.

[Chris W]

I like Stephen Gorham as well. I don't really know Jason Mims, except that he runs a minority reading project. I have heard that he's well-intentioned, but I haven't really heard anything substantive about him.

Gorham, OTOH, I remember from him almost taking out Ronda Storms in her own district. I remember him as very smart, a quick learner, and someone who does his own homework and doesn't depend on what he hears in a board meeting as the final word. I also remember him as someone who believes in _smart spending_ .. getting the biggest bang for the taxpayer buck, if you will.

[LG Taylor HSEF member]

I have met Steve Gorham, He is a wonderful person,and when talking to you he never loses eye contact. That there, tells me he is honest person. He really cares about the future of the people, the children,and the way the country is heading.I strongly feel we all need a change, and the best person for that is Steve Gorham, If you get a chance to meet or hear his beliefs, you will all agree he is the right person for the change we need.

[Chico]

congratulations Steve, you have left an impression with the people you talk to. Hillsbourgh School Employees Federation(HSEF)once again took a chance! You know what happened when April Griffin ran for office, SHE GOT IT. It is time for change. The other board member better start smelling the roses. Jack Lamb is a rubber stamp man and as far as the Teacher's union (CTA)they need to stop walking the fence; either speak for the people you represent, or change your union to an adminstration union.

[Chico 2]

Congrats Steve !!! You know HSEF endorsed & supports you,now CTA has endorsed you, now we expected the CLC (Central Labor Council) should do the right thing and endorse you also!!Step it up CLC! NOW IS THE TIME FOR CHANGE