The Recall Is Going Strong

Dear Community Members:

As recall supporters have ventured out into our neighborhoods to gather signatures on petitions, they’ve been greeted by friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who are concerned about what’s going on with our school district and are sincerely interested in making a change. The recall effort seems to have united many people who may have otherwise never had the opportunity to talk with and really get to know each other. For this, we’re truly thankful.

There is no doubt that the recall is now going strong. At this early stage, hundreds of signatures have been collected, with almost all of the signers asking to sign all four petitions. Some signers have also taken this opportunity to register to vote. Signature gatherers are taking every precaution to ensure that the signatures they collect are valid and that confidentiality is preserved. They‘re also taking the time to really talk about the issues with people.

Recall organizers made the decision early on that public celebrations, such as Cheers! St. Helena, would not be used as political forums and that we wouldn’t actively gather signatures during those events. Those of us who attended the July 3^rd Cheers! were nonetheless greeted with words of support and were asked if we had petitions with us that people could sign.

The community is now more engaged in what is happening with our schools. Great schools need active community support. The recall is bringing about positive change by involving our entire community in the dialogue regarding how our schools are managed and financed.

We’re extremely thankful that this process has given us the opportunity to bear witness to how strong and dedicated this community truly is. There is an excitement in the air as people in our community band together to stand up for change; change for the better.