School board's actions were a disgrace to voters

Dear editor:

I am outraged over this matter!

Mountain Home School Board Trustees should be shame of what you have done to Mr. Houston and his family.

First, you hired incompetent people to conduct the election. The three so called illegal voters did nothing illegal. Most citizens here in Mountain Home do not know the school zone they reside in.

The job of poll workers is to ensure that all voters are registered and that they are qualified voters of the contested school zone. Poll workers/election judge committed the illegal act by certifying three unqualified people, issuing them ballots and allowing them to vote.

This major error seems to have been ignored. Someone must be held accountable.

Secondly, five concerned citizens of Mountain Home who happen to be seated trustees on the Mountain Home School Board filed a contest in the Fourth District Court challenging Mr. Houston's election after Mr. Murray had already conceded the election, and stated that he would not challenge the election in spite of the three votes that were in question.

The school boards trustees' action is both unprecedented and unethical, I guess Mountain Home School Board trustees did not like the results of the election. Well, Mountain Home School Board Trustees do not make the decision as to who will serve on the school board; that is why we have elections. It is left to the voters of Zone 4.

Finally, Mr. Alexander and four other trustees decided to seat Mr. Houston as a Trustee. Mr. Houston has served as Zone 4 Trustee for the last couple of months and based on the coin toss he has to step down and give up his seat.

Are you kidding me? What is it that Mountain Home School Board Trustees have against Mr. Houston?

This guy is not some bum; he is an exceptional member of our community and did not deserve this treatment.

All five trustees were present when Mr. Houston was seated, and he was seated without objection.

The action taking by the school board is reprehensible.

Mr. Houston, you should hold your head up high because this is not the end of this matter. You did not lose and Mr. Murray did not win. The election was a tie. Both of you gentlemen were victims of the school board chairman. Many, many citizens of this school district support you and did not like the way Mr. Alexander conducted this disaster.

Mr. Murray this is not about you; I still believe that you are an honorable man, but the end does not justify the means. Your election is truly tainted and it will take another election to fix it.

Sorry guys, you just can't sweep this one under the rug. We need new leadership for our school board now!

Bill Watson