Woodside school board challenger is 'suspending campaign'

It sounds to me like Mr Johnson and Ms Edwards have all the support. It would be nice if Mr Hornstein showed respect towards those who support the other two candidates and to respect them for a job well done.
Mr. Hornstein should wthdrawal graciously and ask his supporters to cast their votes for the other two candidates.

[Multiple posters are using the name Parent. Comments made by posters using the name Parent are removed except for the original poster to use that name. You need to use different names so readers will know there are different people commenting.]

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It is truly sad that this election has become so divisive amidst a community which is unusually polite and forgiving, very often through differences of opinion and party lines, in order to live the old adage that “it takes a village to raise a child.” The village has been asked to choose sides.

Mr. Hornstein was/is a qualified candidate who had a democratic chance of succeeding. Unfortunately he chose to launch his campaign by making personal attacks on another board member (incumbent Kevin Johnson, and publicly defaming his children) in order to un-seat him and gain his spot. It didn’t have to be this way. Hornstein didn’t have to choose such negative and divisive tactics in the very community he plans to serve.

Unfortunately for the school community a rift has been created which will now take some time to heal. Many parents who could have supported him are reasonably concerned enough to vote another way, or withdraw their support for him because they care more about the community, the kids, and the character of their leadership than to vote for someone who would take such aggressive tactics to win a seat on the school board.

Again, it’s a shame it's became so negative and divisive. Whatever folks (who have commented so far) hope will be accomplished by new school board member Hornstein, should think about what a sad setback his behavior is to their ambitions. Hopefully future candidates will learn from Hornstein’s mistakes and will be mindful and respectful of others in their campaigns.

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Anyone who is posting negative comments about Wendy obvioulsy doesn't know her. Wendy has successfully raised two amazing daughters both of whom went on to Menlo High School and Stanford and both of whom are successful, happy, contributing-to-society adults today. Her son, currently a high school student, is one of the nicest kids I know. She has served on the Foundation board for over 8 years, run two auctions, and been an active and involved parent for over 20 years. Those of you with "young" children should realize that she's been where you are and where you don't even realize you are going. Her wisdom and experience are enormously valuable and greatly appreciated by many of us.
It disgusts me that in our small town, people could write such despicable comments about someone who has done nothing but graciously serve. We are talking about an elmentary school board, people, not a presidential campaign. This is a small town. Think before you write. We are all trying to teach our children to be kind, thoughtful and gracious (remember SEL). Emulate those values before you put your fingers on the keyboard. Oh, and if you're just going to put "parent" for your name, you probably should ask yourself why you are ashamed of your own remarks.

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Stephanie, thank you so much for writing these positive comments about Wendy. [Part removed. Please make your point without negative characterization of other posters, or trying to guess their identity.]

I have known Mrs. Roth for almost two decades, and her dedication to the school pales in comparison to any of these people who claim to know anything about what works best for this school and community. [Part removed.]

Wendy Roth is dedicated, fair, and helps to facilitate the school conversations always in the direction of what is best for the kids. She has done an amazing job as the Board President, and Woodside is lucky to have her!

Dear Parents,

This will be the last communication from this parent wanting change.

Apparently someone has connections with the Almanac Town Square.

Free speech has ended. By whom?

All comments supporting the current board and Kevin Johnson still exits on the Town Square comment board. If your comment did not support the current board, you have been censored.

Don't we all deserve an opportunity to comment? Anyone have ideas to keep the debate open?

Regards,

No one at The Almanac is censoring your comments. You simply cannot use someone else's name (or pseudonym) when you make a post.

It's not that difficult.