NCS board member is bright spot in history

Timothy Carr's appointment to Newark School Board of Education is a bright spot in local government history. It is notable for fairness, transparency, and result.

Orchestrated and directed by Judge Hoover, the process was a class act and should serve as prototype for public-affairs appointments of the future.

Number one, it was as transparent as it could get. Applications and associated correspondence were posted on the Internet; the candidates were required to speak before a meeting of citizens - later cablecast to the community - about their qualifications; and citizens' opinions on the candidates were solicited by the judge and published on the web.

The judge could not have arranged a more thorough collection of facts, opinions, and perceptions of candidate qualifications and personalities. Thus did he base his decision, and if it wasn't the right one it wasn't for lack of trying or for lack of information.

Number two, 12 qualified citizens stepped forward and offered to help with school administration. Contrary to local folklore, talented people are willing to serve if they see the need and know the opportunity is there.

Number three, the Advocate did an excellent job of informing us about this while offering us the opportunity to make comments. Without that advantage it could not have been as effective, if it could have been done at all.

Number four, well, there's Timothy Carr, the new board member. I have read the news reports that mentioned him; I have read his letter of application and his resume. Frankly, though he has been a successful church leader, on paper he is undistinguished as a potential board member.

Still, let's assume the judge saw in this candidate the best for all-around fit in a contentious time and place. I suspect the judge sees Carr as a voice of reason and compassion and common sense - the kind of stuff that doesn't show up on a resume.

I welcome as a board member someone with a fresh perspective, someone who by nature is not a career bureaucrat, but is instead a man of humility in a life of service to others.

I welcome someone with a fresh perspective. Perhaps he will be able to think outside the "more property tax" box, think about saving instead of spending - while examining more equitable types of funding, such as tax on earned income.

So good luck to Mr. Carr. Here's hoping he can refresh and improve a school administration that really needs it.