The Columbus Branch of the NAACP held a Candidates Night on Sept. 22. I strongly encourage all voters to listen. Be an informed voter. You get the elected officials you vote for.
I took particular interest in the Columbus school board candidates. One of the incumbents, Ramona Reyes, stated her commitment to the LEDE (Locally Economically Disadvantage Enterprise) program, but her votes on legislation indicate something different. I won’t say she lied. Her voting record reflects her value of the LEDE program and its efforts to foster an inclusive purchasing environment for disadvantaged and Black vendors. Cole and Reyes’s silence in open board meetings is telling when it pertains to LEDE vendors and their participation, or lack of, in procurement opportunities with the district. During their tenure on the board, the district has not met the 20 percent purchasing goal. Ironically, in his daytime job, Cole is responsible for helping to meet a purchasing goal for a significant Columbus construction project. Unfortunately, his efforts don’t carry over in his school board activities.
Our dollars and votes have power. Use them wisely. Use your voice for people that have a record of assisting disadvantaged and small businesses. It can not continue to be business as usual.
Just my thoughts…rwb
