Editorials

Voters need to keep Nicholson on board

Hernando Today
Published: August 19, 2010

The issue: Hernando County School Board District 5 race. Our opinion: Incumbent Sandra Nicholson has been a no-nonsense board member looking out for the taxpayers, patrons and students of the district.

Sandra Nicholson has served on the Hernando County School Board for the past 16 years.

We think she should continue at least the next four.

A most impressive civic and educational volunteer, Nicholson has tirelessly served her community for more than 23 years in Hernando County.

On top of that, she's got sharp insight into the tough issues facing the school district and is almost always correct in the decisions she makes on the board - at least as far as we're concerned.

Nicholson is a businesswoman, not an educator. The board needs that different perspective, considering the others all share educational backgrounds.

When asked her opinion on tough issues, Nicholson is brief and to the point. She doesn't wander around the issue until she thinks she's found where you stand.

She's not a very good politician - a refreshing interview this political season.

In Tuesday's election, Nicholson faces Mike Bainum, an energetic culinary arts teacher at Central High School, and Cynthia Moore, a longtime teacher and school volunteer.

Both challengers bring a wealth of knowledge and care for students of the school district. Bainum has the energy and passion of two people. Moore, the grandmotherly type, is every young child's dream.

Still, we think Nicholson is the best pick.

Cutting expenses by reducing "extras" will be a top priority of Nicholson, who voted against raising the district's mill levy .25 cents per $1,000 of property value. Her reason: Too many people are losing their jobs and homes to demand they pay higher taxes.

Because of that tough economic reality, every position and program in the school district likely will have to be examined and possibly reduced or cut, Nicholson told Hernando Today in her candidate interview.

Nicholson also voted to end sibling preference in magnet schools, which was long overdue. We like her philosophy: "The purpose of a magnet school is to attract students with specific strengths or interests. If parents feel that siblings must stay together, then their option is the school for which they are zoned."

We couldn't have said it better.

It's our recommendation that voters cast their ballots for Nicholson on Tuesday.