Just days after every single Republican candidate for Hamilton County School Board declined an invitation to participate in a non-partisan debate with their opponents, the Hamilton County Democratic Party has announced a public forum so that its School Board candidates can talk to voters about issues important to them.
Hamilton County residents have a right to know what their School Board candidates believe, and how they will serve their community. The Democratic candidates are happy to give the community that opportunity.
The HCDP forum – co-sponsored by the party’s Women’s and Black caucuses – will be held from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 29, on the fourth floor of the Chattanooga Public Library. Democratic candidates for the school board as well as other local and state offices will take part, answering questions from a moderator and the public.
Being a School Board member is a unique position and is one of the most important jobs in county government. The Hamilton County School Board is uniquely positioned to serve students, teachers, administrators, and parents - and members should take that job very seriously. We think it is really telling that all of the School Board candidates from one political party declined to participate in debates that serve to inform voters of their stances on the issues. It’s almost like they don’t want voters to know who they really are.
Let me be very clear, Democrats will stand on any stage, on any day, and debate. We have nothing to hide and want only to better our community through collaboration and care.
HCDP Chair Rachel Campbell