In a surprising move, the Livingston County Republican Party (LCRP) has expelled four members of the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education. An email sent to the members on May 11 announced the unanimous decision by the party’s executive committee to remove them from the party.
The LCRP did not provide an explanation for their decision, yet the action comes after the board members endorsed a $156 million school bond that was not approved by voters on May 5. The proposed bond aimed to enhance safety, update classrooms, and replace outdated building systems throughout the county’s schools. More details on the bond can be found here and here.
Jennifer Marks, one of the ousted board members, expressed her surprise at the decision, stating, “There have been other bonds in Livingston County with members from the Livingston County Republican Party on those boards, and to my knowledge, there’s never been this type of attack or removal from the party following that.” Marks emphasized that the bond’s intent was to address the needs of students and the community without any hidden motives.
Roger Myers, president of the Brighton school board, described his removal as being “excommunicated by the LCRP for placing a bond on the ballot.” He criticized the party’s decision, saying, “On its face, the idea of a political party taking such punitive action as retribution for simply putting a bond on the ballot for voters to decide is alarming and completely antithetical to the ‘open tent’ the LCRP claims to be.”
Myers pointed out that former Brighton school board member John Conely, along with another past board member, Bill Trombley, played a role in campaigning against the school bond. Both are involved with the LCRP executive committee.
Alicia Urbain, another board member affected by the decision, stated in an email, “I look forward to continue to put kids first regardless of party, to work to improve literacy rates in our community, and to work to elect Republicans in Livingston Co.”
Katie Tierney, the fourth board member whose party membership was revoked, emphasized her commitment to advancing the district positively. “I will continue working to move our district forward in a positive direction by supporting students, staff, and the community through thoughtful, fiscally responsible decision-making centered around what is best for kids,” Tierney declared.
Myers concluded by acknowledging the diverse reasons behind the bond’s rejection, but expressed concern over campaigns that spread misinformation. “I fully acknowledge that many residents who voted no have very personal reasons for their vote, and I completely respect their decisions. But when the outcome of this or any future bond are impacted by smear or disinformation campaigns to stoke fragile egos and advance personal agendas, the real losers are the kids, and that’s the real shame.”
The Livingston County Republican Party did not respond to requests for comment.
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