I am voting for Mellman/Gertz, and I hope you join me. I have witnessed Mellman on the OPRF Community Council for years asking thoughtful and critical questions. I know him to be smart, caring, principled, and willing to roll up his sleeves to understand and evaluate complex issues. I value his service to our country. I have recently spent more time with Gertz and have found him to be smart, caring, analytical, and committed to our community and schools. Together they will make a lasting and positive impact on OPRF and our community.
As has been well documented, two incumbents are running to earn an additional term and some sitting board members are lining up to support them. Common sense suggests a continuation of the status quo if these candidates were to be elected. Currently, you can see and feel the pressure at board meetings to join the prevailing chorus leading to unproductive groupthink. For me, the recent negative messaging and campaigning against Mellman and Gertz is disappointing and does not represent the values of Oak Park and River Forest.
It appears this race is shaping up to be a contest of the insiders vs. the outsiders. Dogmatic thinking vs. critical viewpoints. The continued overreach of a school’s purpose vs. a more thoughtful tailored approach to education. Nate and Josh want to maximize academic opportunity for all students with proven methods and not misdirection. They are campaigning on three core issues: Keep our kids safe. Challenge all students academically. Safeguard our tax dollars. That simple message resonates with me.
I am voting for Mellman and Gertz and not just because they are the non-establishment candidates, but because they will bring a common-sense, caring and critical eye approach to the board table and are the best candidates for the job.
Ross Lissuzzo
River Forest
OPRF alum, Oak Park native
Parent of two former Huskies