Jason Shepard speculated on how a majority might form on the MMSD school board when Lawrie Kobza officially takes a seat.
“Lawrie Kobza’s win . . . over Madison school board incumbent Bill Clingan by a 53% - 47% margin will almost certainly alter the board’s ideological alignment. The only question is how.
Kobza credits a surprise endorsement from The Capital Times as the tipping point of her campaign. But a last minute mailing signed by Ed Garvey and former Mayors Paul Soglin and Sue Bauman questioned whether Kobza is really a liberal.
Kobza, an attorney with a sharp mind, says her election proves voters want changes in school governance. Soon-to-be colleague Ruth Robarts is thrilled: “There’s going to be a new dialogue.”
At election–night parties, there was speculation that Kobza could side with Robarts on what would normally be 6-1 votes, and also of a coalition made up of Kobza, Robarts and moderates Shwaw Vang and Johnny Winston. But Carol Carstensen says her big win . . . shows public support of the board’s liberal majority. We’ll see.”
-- Isthmus, April 8, 2005