Hillsborough school board campaigning hits historic high
By Erin Kourkounis, Tampa Tribune, Fla. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The war chests pale by comparison with the
The
The boost in contributions reflects the rising debate over increasingly complicated issues in local education -- performance standards, charter schools, and vouchers to spend public money on private education, said
A bigger campaign budget helps candidates get their message out to voters on this array of topics, especially in a county as large as
"We're seeing more and more money pile into these campaigns that often were very sleepy," Smith said. "It speaks volumes of how important some of these school board contests have become. It raises some eyebrows in terms of how much money is being raised."
School board members serve four-year terms and receive a salary of
? ? ?
The candidates play down the importance of money in their campaigns.
"Fundraising is a part of the local process in order to be able to communicate the message to voters," Shimberg said. "But it's just a part of it. I think another important part is getting out there and talking to voters, meeting people, attending events, walking neighborhoods. I've been spending a good amount of my time in that way."
Close behind is
"I've worked very hard for 15 months," said Shah, 43. "People are saying I've raised too much money. I don't let that impact me. People see how committed and passionate I am. That's why the money is being raised, not for any other purpose."
So far, Shimberg has spent
Winners of the three school board races up for election could be decided in the
Trailing Shimberg and Shah is
Shah has been criticized by some voters and other candidates for the amount of money she has raised. But she says it is more of a priority for school board candidates in this election because many are running for office for the first time and need to drum up name recognition.
Plus, she said, costs for things like advertising have gone up.
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Many of Shah's 320-plus individual contributions include some from members of the local Indian community. Donations include
"From early on, we knew we'd have to do a little more to raise money," said Shah, a second-generation Indian-American. "You get your first support from your peer connections. Those were our connections. Those were the people who stepped up."
Shah also has the endorsements of the
Shah and her husband, pulmonologist
Shimberg, with more than 430 donations, has the name recognition in her bid for a
She also has the endorsements of
When she launched her campaign, Shimberg started by reaching out to people she had worked with, in part as a member of the school district's
"I don't think the typical voter necessarily pays attention to the fundraising dollars," she said. "They pay attention to the candidates' message and who we are. I'm just really grateful for all the support I've received."
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Shimberg said more people might be donating to school board campaigns this election cycle because of a renewed focus on the importance of public schools.
"I'm hopeful that it indicates there's a strong interest in our community," Shimberg said. "We need strong leaders to be able to lead an organization our size. They understand the importance of the role of a school board member."
If elected, Shimberg's priorities will be focusing on improving transparency, student achievement and community outreach.
Also vying for the
In
In the countywide
Griffin has brought in
Griffin rejects the notion that raising the most money is required to secure a seat on the board.
"I think ideas win elections," she said. "I think records win elections."
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