[Vision2020] confusion

[keely emerinemix]

Good afternoon,

There seems to be, off-list, on-list, and all throughout cyberspace, some 
lingering confusion about my job title and responsibilities, my relationship 
to CQE, and my campaigning for the school bond levy.  At the risk, 
admittedly, of fanning the flames, I'd like to address some misconceptions 
-- not to defend myself, but to set things straight.

I am a trustee on the MSD Board of Trustees.  It is an unpaid, elected, 
three-year position.  I was "elected" in May 2003, although I ran unopposed. 
  I am not employed, therefore, by MSD.  In fact, I am not employed by 
anyone.  I am a full-time mother of two sons, both enrolled in MSD.

I am not "CQE's official representative."  I was recruited to run by some 
CQE members, many of whom are not active in this current campaign and who in 
some cases are opposed to it.  I attended an informal interview with CQE 
core members in April 2003 to explore my candidacy and attended two informal 
get-togethers with the same members during the summer of 2003.  However, 
once I was appointed to the facilities committee as a trustee, I explained 
to the group that I was no longer able to continue discussing facilities 
with them as a group, believing that it would represent a conflict of 
interest.  That meeting took place at Jamie Nekich's house in July 2003 
between Jamie, myself, and Mac Cantrell, who both graciously understood my 
need to do so.  Other than attending a CQE facilities public forum last year 
with other FPC members, I have not attended any other CQE meetings.  Period. 
  I am, as I have said, peripherally involved with CQE only insofar as I am 
working to help pass the bond and CQE is the citizens' group heading the 
campaign.

I am very grateful for CQE and for my many friends in the group, but I am 
not "their" representative to anything.  I represent stakeholders in Zone 2. 
   I have been asked to speak for the pro-bond side in a couple of 
discussions and have agreed to with the understanding that there are also 
many other FPC and CQE members who are equally able to articulate reasons 
for supporting the bond.   I have not and will not shy away from public 
discussion of an important matter of public policy, especially not one that 
I helped formulate and helped pass as a trustee.  This is what elected 
officials do.   Sitting on the sidelines is not an option for me, not as a 
citizen and not as someone holding elected office.

My allegiance is to my God, my conscience, and my community.  I expect 
criticism, but I would hope that vehemence and vitriol wouldn't get in the 
way of correctly assessing just who I am and what I do, because as far as 
those two things go, my conscience is quite clear and my voice not at all 
shaky.

keely emerine mix

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