I was both surprised and disappointed in the St. Louis American’s editorial entitled “Credibility and school board campaigns” on several fronts.
First, I couldn’t understand your apparent dismissal of Veronica O’Brien’s contributions to the Board of Education. If a writer cannot even correctly name the party he is writing about (Her name is Veronica n not Virginia), how can any reader be sure the writer has carefully and objectively researched the facts?
O’Brien faced the disrespect of members of the majority (Darnetta Clinkscale and Vince Schoemehl) and intimidation from other politicos. Despite such adversity, she persevered to serve the board, the district, the children, the staff and the community faithfully, forthrightly and with integrity.
Secondly, the editorial speaks of Purdy’s and Downs’ often romanticized, revisionist versions of the district’s performance prior to the election of the current board majority as straining their credibility. The only time I find either referring to the past is when misinformation or disinformation has been put out by the current majority, the management team or the press. Perhaps the editorialist should point out what allegedly inaccurate facts they have presented.
Helen Louise HerndonSt. Louis
