Why I am Running as an Independent

Here is a letter to the editor I submitted to the South County Independent, the Narragansett Times and the Providence Journal about why I am running for South Kingstown School Committee as an independent and why you shouldn't vote a straight-party ticket on November 4th:

Since I declared my candidacy for South Kingstown School Committee many have asked why I am running as an independent rather than as a Democrat or Republican. Wouldn't an endorsement from one of the parties, not to mention the votes received from straight-party voting, help me be elected?

Perhaps. But over the last several weeks, as I have met and spoken with voters like you about our schools, I have become only more sure of my decision to run as an independent. Most of you have expressed a desire to vote for individuals rather than parties, and most of you are looking for candidates who will listen to your concerns and act in the best interests of all those with a stake in our schools.

I am running to represent not one party or one segment of the community, but all who have an interest in South Kingstown schools. High-performing, well-managed schools serve the interests of everyone. I am running to represent you, the students, parents, educators, taxpayers and business owners of South Kingstown, because South Kingstown schools are your schools and they are my schools, because I too am a parent, taxpayer and business owner.

No political party has a monopoly on good intentions or good ideas, and no party should represent the sole voice on any public body, council or committee. Too often politics gets in the way of innovation. Too often politicians ignore evidence that contradicts their preconceived opinions. And too often politics leads to acceptance of the status quo when, if politicians work together as people, rather than as adversaries, progress could be made.

Over the last several years the South Kingstown School Department has improved the accountability of our schools, and test scores are generally positive and improving. However, ultimately the goal of our schools must be to prepare our young people for whatever is next, be that higher education, a career or otherwise, so that they not only reach their own potential but also participate in their communities and in public life by making informed, well-reasoned judgments and decisions.

How do graduates of our schools perform in college, at work, in the military and in life? How prepared are they for independence? How well do they think, analyze and question? We must give them the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed while at the same time understanding and easing the burden on taxpayers. These are not partisan concerns. They are questions of true accountability, about whether we as a community are best serving our children and our neighbors.

I invite you to contact me to learn more about my campaign, share your ideas, find out how you can help, or make a donation. Visit my campaign web site at SKschools.blogspot.com, email me at jpincince@gmail.com, or call me at 401-651-6515.

Last, remember to register to vote by Friday, October 3rd and to vote on Tuesday, November 4th. Make your voice heard.