I want to express reservations about Mr. Page’s candidacy for the Douglas County School District Board. Mr. Page doesn’t thoughtfully represent all DCSD families, his promise of a “balanced vision” is little more than rhetoric, and his commitment to engaging a diverse community is limited at best.

Mr. Page’s emphasis on community involvement is important. We must ask for a detailed look at what this involvement entails. There are questions of his history with, and commitment to, any DCSD run and approved school is equal to that of the other candidates. Is he here to work on behalf of all DCSD students, public and charter? As a voter who is being asked to trust my public school students to his leadership, I need transparency and assurance he cares for our public schools. Promises without honesty fall short of what we deserve.

Furthermore, Mr. Page’s claims of respecting, encouraging, and developing our teachers is commendable. Voters deserve a deeper understanding of what his goals are and how he intends to achieve them. Given his connections I am concerned he may advocate for arming staff, or other extreme actions, despite repeated and clear statements that our community rejects extremism. We deserve concrete proposals and actionable plans that voters can analyze and discuss before the election to ensure we are choosing the right people.

Engaging parents is a goal that resonates with many of us. However, Mr. Page has dismissed the legitimate concerns of DCSD community members as “silliness.” He stated on Aug. 22, at a Board of Education meeting, “If we want to save money, let’s knock off the silliness” referring to the multitude of lawsuits DCSD has faced. Being found guilty of violating Colorado Open Meetings Laws is not “silliness.” Being a parent or student faced with persistent racist harassment and bullying is not “silliness.” Being wrongfully terminated from your lifelong employer as part of a political agenda is not “silliness.” Mr. Page doesn’t appear to value us enough to take these seriously — he views devastating events to real people as a silly waste. He should apologize, now.

It is important to ask if the “balanced vision” Mr. Page speaks of is real or empty words. We must ask if the supposed “best” slate is really what DCSD needs, or if it is a vehicle for partisan ideas. We need the truth from Page et al, and local journalists must help.

Lindsey Smithson, Castle Rock