The Day After The Election

Bet you thought I was going to gloat, huh?

Nope.

As overwhelmingly pleased as I am to see Leigh Ann Ellis elected to serve the Dallas Independent School District, I wish it could have ended differently for Lois Parrott. Anytime anyone serves the public for 10 years, as a volunteer no less, careers should end with dignity.

Lois, as many mistakes as she made, did one thing: she served the public.

She served at will, and she tried to do what she thought was right.

I believe that, even in the most twisted of situations, Lois believed she was executing her duties for a higher purpose. You and I may not have agreed with her actions from time to time. We may look back and say, "how could she have possibly done [you name it]?"

"How could she have thought she'd get away with it?"

Lois didn't think she was getting away with anything. That's why.

To Lois, the end justified the means, and the means were honorable. To her.

I hope no one reading this missive actually believes Lois wished ill-intent at the time--no matter what the situation. Because she didn't.

Now it's Leigh Ann's turn.

Leigh Ann brings a much needed level of professionalism and fresh insight to a stale board--badly in need of refreshment. She has no political agenda to fulfill. She has no pre-conceptions and owes nothing in terms of political favors.

She is a fresh mind with fresh ideas, and she'll take a fresh look. Soon she'll face the same challenges and be confronted with the hard decisions. The news media won't always be kind, and she'll have more than her share of frustrations.

The School Board, after all, is no "walk in the park." As Lois knows.

So to Lois, I say: thank you for your years of service to my family and me. Thank you for the years of service to my neighbors. I hope you'll shake hands with Leigh Ann as she picks up the baton. I hope you'll continue to remain involved with our schools and our kids.