Token Board Memberships and More Lazy Reporting

For almost three years now, I’ve been a member of the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council. I joined for two reasons. First, to support the district’s partnership with Hispanic law enforcement, and second, to help the Hispanic community learn more about district educational programs.

This Council meets the last Tuesday of every month. Maybe, I’ve missed three meeting as a member.

The same month I joined, local politician Frank Sanchez and Hillsborough school board member Susan Valdes joined. Since then, neither has attended one meeting. Mr. Sanchez did gracefully resign. When asked to resign last year for non-participation, Valdes refused. The Sheriff shrugged his shoulders.

In the meantime, we now know Valdes is on the executive board of Lowry Park Zoo. After many reports of mismanagement, lost accreditation, and some Zoo board members not even knowing the now-banished director’s salary, we must wonder if Valdes is another token on another board. Does she attend meetings? What skill-set does she contribute?

All of which leads me to another question? Most politicians are members of community boards. Most get appointed after they’ve been elected. And, they use these board memberships to embellish their campaign resumes. During any election, look at the campaign postcards you receive and see the long lists of board memberships for any candidate. Do local editorial boards or reporters covering candidates ever do a little research to find facts behind these membership claims, and, is any real work or expertise required?

Certainly, I want to know if a politician is being disingenuous. When the Tribune pointed out that April Griffin was a “clerk” at the Pace Center for Girls, not an “administrator” as claimed, I thought that useful before voting for a school board member who should represent ethics in education.

posted by admin @ 6:15 PM