In a recent Capital-Journal article, a letter from former board attorney Joseph Zima recounted an altercation Horton had with fellow board member Patrick Woods. The incident occurred after a motion Horton proposed failed. According to Zima’s letter, after Woods cast a “no” vote, Horton said to him: “You disgrace us” and “You’re lower than white.”

Horton is often quick to accuse other board members of being racist, but it seems to me she is the one who needs to reevaluate her views of skin tone. In her position, she is acting as a representative of Topeka students and her behavior is setting an extremely poor example. Rather teaching students about the importance of acceptance and working well with others, Horton’s action are selfish and distract from catering to the best interest of Topeka children.

As a result, three of Horton’s fellow board members have publically endorsed her opponent, Hal Gardner. I would encourage all Topeka residents to follow their lead and vote for Gardner tomorrow at the polls. From Gardner’s website:

“I believe there is a critical balance between traditional programs and innovation that can better engage students, encouraging them to actually have some fun while learning critical skills for learning in the 21st century. That balance also needs to factor in the existing traditional, excellent programs in theater, music, art, and the humanities. This balance should, I believe, extend from preschool to high school, including special needs students of all kinds.”

You can see a complete list of community leaders who have endorsed Gardner here and read more about his campaign’s key issues here. He is also on Facebook and twitter.

It is important to take the education of our young residents very seriously and this includes electing the best possible leaders. In this case, it is very clear person is Hal Gardner.