As the new chair of the Olathe Republican Party, I am glad the Olathe News understands that “to claim that Olathe Schools First is nonpartisan is to say that the sky is red.” According to the March 21Kansas City Star, “the group is positioned to oppose several candidates with what they say are strong philosophical ties to Republicans.”
Just in case you weren’t sure which party Olathe Schools First favors, it’s the Democrats.
Look at who co-endorses the group’s candidates. Debby Daniels is endorsed by Kansas Families United for Public Education. This liberal PAC has three legislators on its “Wall of Shame,” all Republicans, including current Olathe Senator Karin Brownlee and former Olathe Senator Kay O’Connor. Does this reflect Olathe voters?
A better name for this disingenuous partisan group that only endorses incumbents would be Olathe School Board Members First.
The Olathe News was “shocked [Ron Wimmer] would be involved in an organization that blatantly defied district policy.”
Daniels’ first three endorsements on her website are Paul Morrison, Mark Parkinson, and Ron Wimmer. Is it coincidental that after Dr. Wimmer’s abortive bid for Kay O’Connor’s senate seat, he is now associating with the two best-known Republican turncoats in the state?
In his recent letter to the editor, Ron Wimmer extols the “outstanding relationship among the board, administration, staff, students and patrons” and disturbingly never even mentions parents.
Olathe needs a school board that answers to parents.
I originally did not endorse any candidates in this “non-partisan” race since it pits Republican against Republican, but our local Republican legislators have made their choice: Dave Cuba is a great representative of core Republican principles. Dave gives straight answers, understands fiscal responsibility, and puts parents’ concerns first.
I would rather follow the endorsement of my elected legislators than that of a group that the newspaper must chide for a lack of honesty and accuracy.
Kathy Kist
Olathe Republican Party Chair
