Here, Right Matters

With Newberg’s school board elections less than two months away, the division and rancor in our community continues to build. James Wolfer’s decision to stop his campaign for Zone 6 board director this week, citing harassment at his job, highlights the attempts to silence people in Newberg who speak truth to power. 

We want to support Wolfer in his efforts to protect his family and his livelihood. We also want to grieve that this is what our community has become, where someone volunteering for a nonpartisan position in the Newberg school district can find his integrity as a police officer questioned, forcing him to make an untenable decision. 

In our sadness, it’s easy to give way to despair, deciding that the turmoil in Newberg will always be this way, or that we should use the same tactics of harassment and provocation that have been used to silence people in Newberg. It’s important to remember, in these moments, that in the words of Alexander Vindman, “here, right matters.” 

Here, right matters in an election that is not about progressive or conservative ideals, but about accountability, transparency, and competence, qualities to which we should all aspire, no matter our political leanings.

Here, right matters when fear-mongering about educators and about schools sows distrust in our teachers and the hard work they do. 

Here, right matters when board members claim to be “the parent’s choice,” even though a substantial number of parents do not choose a board director who seeks to silence them.

Here, right matters, and so we will continue to focus on what matters most in this election season: Accountability, transparency, and competence. Responding to harassment and smear campaigns by speaking truth to power. 

And also, voting for #JamesAnyway, who is the choice of this–and many, many other–parents.*

*Because James Wolfer’s name will continue to be on the ballot, voting for him rather than his opponent will send a strong message and, should Wolfer win, a replacement can be seated by the newly-elected board.