Powell, Dibble, Murray elected to board

Local youth serving as mayor of Cincinnati
7:23 p.m.
Hamilton a city in lights
11/21/09
City gets $2M grant for green energy project
11/21/09
High school delivers the goods: 4,207 cans
11/21/09
Cutting-edge command center now a dream, but EMA director will keep pushing for it
11/21/09
> More headlines

By LIndsey Hilty Updated 12:10 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2009

LIBERTY TWP. — One incumbent and two new candidates will take seats on the Lakota Local School District's board of education this January.

Board Vice President Joan Powell led the race from the start, finishing with 11,196 votes at 25.99 percent of the total 43,079 votes cast, according to final unofficial results from the Butler County Board of Elections Nov. 3.

As board vice president, she has served on the board for 12 years.

"Obviously I'm gratified by the confidence the voters of the Lakota School District continue to have in me," she said. "It will be my privilege to continue to serve them on the board of education. We have lots of challenges ahead of us, so there is going to be a lot to deal with."

Ben Dibble followed with 9,644 votes at 22.39 percent.

"I'm very excited to have been elected, and I'm very grateful to all the people of Lakota for putting their confidence in me," he said.

Ray Murray took the third spot with 8,021 votes at 18.62 percent. He was unable to be reached for comment.

Sitting board President Jamie Green came in fourth with 7,671 votes at 17.81percent.

Green congratulated the winners, and said she felt satisfied in her service the past four years.

"From my part, I didn't come on the board of education to work for reelection," she said. "I came on the board of education to work for change. Change was much more important to me, and on the four years I have served on the board I have accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish."

She said her accomplished goals included changing the way the district spends money, hires and evaluates staff, engages the community and advocates on its behalf, and holds the district accountable.

"These improvements make our service to Lakota students and our community better," she said.

Douglas Cooper received 6,547 votes at 15.20 percent and declined to comment Tuesday.

Share this article

ADD COMMENT

Comments feed

Hi everyone, I use the blogging name "Bob" to disguise myself. I not only represent the Lakota teachers union, I also represent certain DPC members, local political hacks, and a federal criminal that was the county auditor. While threatening to strike we'll claim we love children, but down deep, we hate your kids and love the yearly 5-7% raises and **** benefits we get regardless of performance.

Love, Vanessa, Gary, Mary, Greg, Kay, Judy, Joan & Sandy

Bob
9:54 AM, 11/8/2009

REPORT ABUSE

Libertarian Voter: I went to one of the forums and found him to be completely inept. He knew nothing about funding, he knew nothing about the millage rate. He knew nothing about special needs children and the law. I agree with everyone having a personal opinion but at least try to have a little knowlege about the subject. Here is my basic point: I am sick and tired of people wasting my time running for an office for which they do not understand. Did anyone ever see him work on any committees?

Bob
9:56 AM, 11/5/2009

REPORT ABUSE

I would like to congratulate the winners of last night's election.I voted for all of them and hope they will provide a united front to help solve the funding issues in Ohio while also recognizing that until change occurs money is still needed to operate schools and educate children.I am not an employee, but do have 3 children in the district. If the people of this community believe education is not worth investing in, talk to a parent of a child in Little Miami which is now under state control.

4mykids
11:03 PM, 11/4/2009

REPORT ABUSE

Being new to Liberty Twsp, reading these post has really been enlightening. It's easy to tell the bulk of them are either teachers, their union leaders, or those parents that live in a fantasy world. I'm beginning to understand why the public has such a problem with school levies after reading the very people that benefit the most are non tolerant of any opposing positions or discussion, to the point of calling names and spewing you hatred. I'm sure you do it for the children.

Pat Liney
10:25 PM, 11/4/2009

REPORT ABUSE

Bob, Please explain what would make Cooper so terrible. Yes, he looks like Will Farrel, BUT I thought he had some of the better responses at Meet the Candidates nights. Do I agree with everything he spewed...of course not. Also, I think diversity on any board is better for ALL. Hey, what is wrong with wanting smaller gov't and more freedom?

Libertarian Voter
10:23 PM, 11/4/2009

REPORT ABUSE

There are 13 additional comments

SHOW ALL

We welcome your comments. Please remember this is a public forum and behave appropriately. Your comments must conform to our visitor's agreement.