Editor, The Smithfield Times:

One question that is helpful to ask regarding candidates for public office is “Why is this person running?” This is an especially important question to ask regarding the two Isle of Wight County School Board candidates for District 1 (Smithfield District).

Denise Tynes is herself a graduate of Isle of Wight County Schools. She worked as an educator for IW County Schools and has been a deeply engaged member of our community for many years. I have contacted her several times during her current term as our School Board member, and every time she has responded promptly and professionally, and has done her best to address my concerns. Not all elected officials are responsive to their constituents, and I very much appreciate her responses and assistance.

Her opponent has no connection to Isle of Wight Schools. Further, she has never sent her children to any public school. If she does not trust the public school system to educate her own children, why would she want to serve on the School Board in our community? How can I trust someone with the oversight of my children’s education when they have no connection to our schools or public education in general?

The choice is clear: Denise Tynes is a passionate advocate for all Isle of Wight County schoolchildren receiving a high-quality education, and she will continue to work to ensure our school system serves our children and our community well.

 

Greg Brown

Smithfield