Knowing only what has been reported in the traditional media, I am in no position to say who, if anyone, is right or wrong in this emerging controversy.
This blog deals with politics and perceptions, in case you
haven’t noticed. So viewing the matter from such a brutal and cynical
perspective, here is what comes to mind:
1. This isn’t a one
or two day story. The Vaillancourt campaign is going to have to contend with
some truly bad headlines between now and Election Day. Stating that you are going to review legal
options is just one step; there needs to be a broader and cohesive communications
strategy. Even for a non-partisan, down-ballot race such as this, she is going
to need to formulate and articulate a simple narrative regarding her comments and actions that makes sense to the
average voter. If she can’t, there is a
pathway to a fifth place finish.
2. Regarding those who voted in favor of the Resolution of
Disappointment, the optics appear a little bit sketchy. Again, I am not going to get into the merits
of the Board’s moves. I just know that
some find it interesting that the Board reprimanded Vaillancourt roughly 45
days prior to the primary election (regarding “breaching the confidentiality of
closed sessions”) and now 40 days before the general election on this new
matter. Yes, issues come up when they
arise. I am not saying that the other
Board members are engaging in any shenanigans, but – based on the timing alone
- they are providing grist for the mill for those who believe that their
actions are, at least in part, politically motivated.
3. I have a different perspective than my friend, the Sage
of Oakland Mills, MM who argues that Ms. Vaillancourt should take the sensitivity training.
From a realpolitik view, if she agreed to do so (between now
and Election Day), it would appear to be an admission that she crossed a line
with her comments. A very risky move.
I concur with the implications of the comment made by Long
Reach’s answer to Alan Dershowitz in the aforementioned blog post: that all Board Members “should have sexual
harassment training annually.” Perhaps
the Board can agree to review relevant policies and procedures; of course I am
guessing that this might have to wait until after November 4.
Coming soon: another post about timing. And this one has nothing to do with the Board
of Education!
Stay tuned, as more will follow.
No comments:
Post a Comment