GOP Endorses Two School Board Members

The Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish has endorsed two members of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board who are running for reelection:

• Jerry Arbour, District 5

• Connie Bernard, District 8

The Republican Parish Executive Committee issued this statement about Arbour and Bernard:

“Ironically, Mr. Arbour and Mrs. Bernard do not always see eye to eye on matters coming before the EBR school board.  Yet, they have much in common.  They are both fiscal conservatives who strongly support a return to neighborhood schools.  They are both hard working and diligent board members who devote a tremendous amount of time to fulfilling their responsibilities.  Finally, both are honest and totally devoted to improving the school system.  Mr. Arbour also brings a lifetime of legal expertise to the board, while Mrs. Bernard brings the perspective of a parent with children in the system and expertise in public administration.”

The GOP statement said that several groups are attempting to take control of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, including BRAC, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. The statement said, “We support the election of citizens to the board who are free to make independent decisions in the best interest of the community and not be obligated to any organization or group.”