By Antonio D. French
Filed Monday, January 14, 2008 at 5:59 PM
BREAKING NEWS - READ IT HERE FIRST Labels: Appointments, Schools
For the second time, State Senator Jeff Smith has decided not to support Gov. Matt Blunt's appointment to the state board of education.“As I noted when his appointment was first announced, Derio Gambaro has been a dedicated public servant for a decade, from his tenure in the state House to his work on the Election Board. He continued this work as a diligent and thorough member of the State Board of Education.
Gambaro, a former state representative, was one of Smith's opponents when he was elected in 2005 in a five-person race. Smith also opposed Blunt's previous appointment to the Board of Education, Donayle Whitmore-Smith
“However, given the specificity with which I outlined my opposition to the governor's earlier appointee from the 4th District, I was disappointed that the administration chose the same path. These appointees have vocally supported school vouchers and the consideration of religious theories of human origin in public school settings. While I continue to support public school choice, I fear that the aforementioned positions may breach the separation of church and state, and I cannot sponsor nominees who advocate them.
“I thank Mr. Gambaro for his service in the interim, and hope to have the opportunity to work with the governor's office to help find a suitable replacement.”
Because Gambaro lives in Smith's district, according to senate custom, Smith's support is needed for Gambaro's appointment to be confirmed by the senate.
Gambaro has served on the Board of Education since June 2007. His nomination was briefly withdrawn in August to avoid a senate vote.
8 Comments:
Can someone from the Elected Board of The St. Louis Public Schools- Comment on this action?
1/14/2008 7:16 PM
Bill Haas...Please comment....
1/14/2008 8:08 PM
One thing I gotta hand to Smith- he always keeps it interesting. His independence is refreshing.
1/14/2008 9:10 PM
Maybe Gambaro should have gotten some comps at the casino for the good Mr. Smith.
1/14/2008 9:48 PM
Isn't it amazing who is afraid to publicly admit Sen.Smith's stance on Gambaro comes with position and power something Gambaro gave up because of his pro life stance and his admiring the Archbisop as well as gee what progressive thing did he ever do! You go Sen. Smith they are only jealous and keep St.Louis moving forward with the fresh independance you share for Missouri's voters..
1/14/2008 10:48 PM
Let us hope that Joan Bray is as bright as Jeff Smith and rejects Rick Sullivan.
1/15/2008 6:46 PM
Let’s see if Smith makes the same “principled” stand when it comes to the Police Board. JoAnn Morrow the only African American with any ties to the community will soon be replaced. Word is that Blunt is going to replace her with Todd Epsten, a white CWEr who made millions selling alcohol to kids in the black community. Smith should stand up and say that Blunt needs to find an African American for the Board. For the last thirty years the split on the Board has been about 50/50 by race. The African American community deserves at least that much say on this vital force in the community. Let’s see if Smith is more than just talk when it comes to the need for power sharing and African American representation.
1/18/2008 8:39 AM
JoAnn Morrow was the only African American with any ties to the community. Todd Epsten is a white CWEr who made millions selling alcohol. Control of the police force is vital to the Black community. Recently there was a Black, Mayor, Black, Chief of Police, Black Police Board President and a majority Black Police Board. For the last thirty years the split on the Board has been about 50/50 by race. Now there is no Black representation on the Police Board. Smith should stand up and say that Blunt needs to find an African American for the Board. He had no problem refusing to nominate a well qualified Black woman for the state Education Board. The African American community deserves at least that much say on this vital force in the community. I hear Smith has refused to meet with the Coalition against Police Crimes and Repression. He has also been dismissive to other Black leaders. Even though he talked a lot about race during his campaign, it appears that the only color he cares about is the green that Epsten gave him. What a sellout.
1/23/2008 12:46 PM
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