Waiting, Watching, Preparing
In the Lotus Sutra, Buddha says, “Light up one corner - not the whole world. Just make it clear where you are.” I’ve been thinking about this the last few days. The majority of Alamedans who voted on Tuesday said they wanted to save valuable programs and personnel in our local schools.
Those citizens were clear, and in being so, they gave us hope.
The final result of the election is what remains unclear. And with that we must be patient.
The Alameda County Registrar of Voters has begun the process of counting provisional and walk-in absentee votes. We may not know for days, even weeks, what our final count is for Measure H. But as of this morning, 66.37% of Alamedan voters voted “Yes on H.”
Right now, needing 2/3rds (or 66.667%) to pass the parcel tax, we are behind by less than half a percentage point. Each and every one of those walk-in absentee ballots and/or provisional ballots matters very much.
So our job right now is to allow the election process to continue; to wait; to enjoy our children and the final days of school; to take a rest or a walk with a friend after working so hard this spring.
We should refuse to be pessimistic in this waiting. But we should be realistic about the narrow margin at stake. And being sober about how close this election is, we should prepare for the work ahead.
I believe in public education. And I know that as supporters of AEF you do as well. I have seen first hand how many of worked tirelessly this spring for our district. I have heard real debates about how we go about educating our students, where the ideas shared were creative and exciting. Let me assure you, no matter what happens with this particular election, the Foundation stands ready - will rise to the occasion and will need your help to do so.
We are stronger, wiser and we’re not done yet. We will not let public education be thrown away.
Waiting can be a strength position. We are doing what we can do given our situation. And we are gathering our strength for what needs to be done next. When this situation changes, we will relay that to you immediately.
And then we will decide what to do next - as AEF and as a community. Whatever our next step needs to be, we will have the rights of Alamedan children, all Alamedan children, as its core mission.
Because on Tuesday - Alameda was clear. So wait with us. Rest. Gather your strength. And have hope.
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