It is with a heavy heart I write to you this Email.  Yesterday, I was approached by one of the candidates with information as to the status of the election and I had heard numbers from other sources as well.  After careful consideration, I decided to do some small internal polling myself.  I did this yesterday and some more today.  I did exclude any numbers I recognized- which was only about three, because I thought they would recognize my voice.  The results were similar to what I had been told, and very consistent between the two days. 

 

However, the polling indicated clearly I was in fourth place just behind Joan Landmann, and Rob Stelzer was in second place just behind Colona. 

 

I entered this race for one main reason- Education.  I hoped to make education the main focus of our race and become an advocate to our cause in Jefferson City.  The good news in all of this is, we accomplished these gaols- except I will not be the one "elected".

 

Only one candidate ever asked me to sit down and explain the educational issue I was fighting for.  I was impressed with how much he listened and did not take Rex money even when offered.  Rob has offered for me to help in his education policy formation and be his liaison in St. Louis and Jefferson City when he is elected.  I hope my support will allow this to happen.

 

I chose to support Rob for three main reasons.  One, he listened and developed his opinions based on facts.  Two, he was willing to incorporate our entire cause.  And three, he will allow me to be his educational advisor and liaison in St. Louis and Jefferson City.  I think these are very much a win for us.  I was told it all depends on if I believe him or not.  Well, I really do believe he will allow us to be heard better than the other two candidates.  In addition, it looks as if the hit piece on Joan put out by the firefighters supporting Colona actually worked against her.  I thought people were smarter, but I have been wrong before.  I never dreamed when starting the calls, Joan would be third.

 

I am asking any 67th district resident on here, and I know there are several, to please vote for Rob on August 5th.  We can not divide our vote if we want to win.  For the few who voted absentee, I apologize for the last minute change, but I did not have enough money to find out sooner with better internal polls.  In my mind every parent and teacher would show up and vote for me and I win easily.  Not the case.

 

I hope and pray I have not let any of you down.  I feel I have done the best I could do with the resources available to me.  I think we educated more city residents regarding schools, and I think we will have a real voice on the education front with Rob.  I thank everyone who supported me.

 

I also wanted to point out that one of the smear tactics Colona tried to use on Rob, was that he was over-seas.  This actually intrigues me about Rob, because he has first hand knowledge of the medical and educational policies around the world.  He has a perspective that elevates my educational views and health care views that none of the others- including myself could offer in the race.  It was very refreshing to talk to him in personal situations.

 

Finally, I wish to say that another major part of my decision was based on the fact I do not want the person who went completely negative, trash talked everyone, and has his own ugly demons out there to win the race.  I am ashamed of the political process.

 

Thank you for your support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Chad Beffa

SLPS Parent