PAC supports four for school board
The political arm of the Hamilton County Education Association, the local teacher’s union, has announced endorsements of four candidates for the Hamilton County school board elections this August.
The Hamilton County Fund for Children and Public Education, a political action committee affiliated with the union, identified Steven Vickers, Marco Perez, Tiffanie Robinson and Joe Wingate as “Public Education Champions” in a Sunday news release.
Newcomers Stephen Vickers and Marco Perez are running for the District 1 and 2 seats and incumbents Tiffanie Robinson of District 4 and Joe Wingate of District 7 are seeking re-election on the August ballot.
“It is important to have a school board that considers all constituents: students, parents, teachers, and community members,” said Tracy Davis, president of the PAC, in a statement.
The candidates were selected through questionnaires and interviews and also have received support from union representatives through a scheduled vote, the release states.
“The future of public education in Hamilton County depends greatly on our local elected officials supporting our public schools and prioritizing the best interests of all Hamilton County children,” said Jeanette Omarkhail, president of the union, in a statement. “After interviewing candidates, we believe we have endorsed the candidates that will be the strongest advocate for our students and educators.”
Vickers is running against long-time incumbent Rhonda Thurman, who has received endorsement from the Good Government Coalition PAC and sparked some push back among some teacher groups including Hamilton County United, which isn’t affiliated with HCEA, in recent months.
A lifelong Soddy-Daisy resident, Vickers is seeking the District 1 seat.
“I see the school system through the lens of a parent, a teacher, a student and a member of the community. I believe that this is something that is valuable to bring to the school board, so that all the dynamics are taken into consideration when making critical decisions,” reads a statement by Vickers.
Perez is facing off against Chattanooga businessman Tom Decosimo, who has also been backed by the Good Government Coalition — an organization he helped start. The two are seeking to fill the District 2 seat that will be vacated by current board member Kathy Lennon, who is not seeking re-election.
Robinson faces no opposition for the District 4 seat and Wingate, current chairman of the board, faces newcomer Debbi Meyers for the District 7 seat.
Thurman, Decosimo and Meyers declined to participate in interviews for endorsement with the Hamilton County Fund for Children and Public Education, according to a press release.
School board elections will be on the Aug. 6 ballot. Early voting in Hamilton County begins on July 17.