I am disappointed with Wednesday Journal’s decision not to endorse my re-election bid for the OPRF District 200 Board of Education. Four years ago, my candidacy was endorsed based on my calls for racial equity, tax accountability, and a balanced approach to facilities issues. These three positions have guided my board service and I have delivered measurable results on each.
The first paragraph of your recent endorsement article makes the case for my re-election:
I have been decisive and thoughtful on all decisions I have made, especially in my fierce advocacy for racial equity, a battle I have been fighting in my sphere of the world for over 40 years;
I have been a dutiful steward of our resources, overseeing over $35 million in real estate tax abatements and never voting to impose a maximum tax levy on our property owners;
Years ago I stated the importance of a community consensus around facility matters and now we have that in the first upgrade to our building in over 50 years;
I advocated for a progressive contract with our faculty senate which provides competitive compensation and long-term cost containment to relieve the burden on our taxpayers.
What differentiates me from the newcomer candidates is that I have delivered on those commitments that you endorsed four years ago. I have been a consistent voice of balance on the board. I have no conflict when it comes to considering what is best for our students, taxpayers, and staff.
Four years ago I pledged to listen, to learn, not to react, and I have done that. As a native son I have done my best to represent the interest of citizens of River Forest in the absence of a River Forest resident on the board.
My track record is aligned with my promises and your 2015 endorsement, so I have to ask myself at this critical time when transition and change are occurring at a record pace in D200 and there is a real need to re-elect a board member whose performance and leadership are exactly what the WJ editors have desired for a very long time, why you would neglect to endorse me for re-election?
Fortunately, I have faith in the voters of Oak Park & River Forest. Please vote for Fred Arkin for the board of education of OPRF District 200.