This “Patriot” Group’s Focus On School Board Elections is Troubling
This “patriotsfordelaware.com” site reads like typical GOP dumbassery with all the flags and calls to empty flag worship. But there is something troubling going on here. The focus appears to be on electing “patriots” Q-anon believers and gun-safety opponents to Delaware’s school boards.
That is worrisome because school board elections have miserable turnout, so a committed nutbag can get elected to office by turning out a measly 300 voters. And while there is plenty of “patriot” mischief to make on a school board, these offices are frequently “foot in the door” spots that can be used for “patriots” to build a brand and reach for the next rung on the electoral ladder.
Red Clay voters MUST support Kecia Nesmith. Janyce Colmery is completely being put up by Patriots. Her significant other is Chris Rowe, former NCC GOP chair. Don’t think we need to go into any more detail about him…
Delaware GOP and Young Republicans have also posted on their Facebook pages training sessions for school board candidates. Troubling.
Kinda looks like the dregs of the old tea party movement, Gadsden flag and all, which is certainly not to say they can’t do a great deal of mischief.
Interesting to note that not one of these self-proclaimed “patriots” has the nerve to put his or her name on their website. The only name is Ashley Murray, their candidate for the Cape Henlopen school board — anyone know if she’s any relation to Julianne Murray, staunch champion of the right to infect others with a deadly disease?
I also got a kick out of seeing their Press/Visual Arts Committee described as “the anti-propaganda arm” of the organization. Gee, think they’re going to say that you can’t trust any sources of information but their own?
I’ve added a screen shot of organizers from a FB post. Recognize anyone?
I’m so old I remember when Kilroy would tell me who to vote for. I suppose now I have to go research the candidates in my district (Red Clay). My youngest is in 11th grade and I haven’t been paying attention to the district. But I sure don’t want these RWNJs getting a foothold. There is so little info out there, it seems like all the candidates are counting on very low turnout.
Red Clay School Board Election May 11th. Candidates are:
Kecia Nesmith
Janyce Ann Gill Colmery
Rafael Ochoa
There’s almost no candidate information available online. Well maybe on Facebook, but I don’t have an account. I was able to glimpse previews of Ochoa’s posts on his Facebook page, something about being appreciative of law enforcement. The first comment is from somebody wanting to know where his platform is. He’s on LinkedIn, if you want to see his resume.
Colmery doesn’t seem to have a web page, and her Facebook campaign page has no access at all for those not logged in. Can’t find too much else, so I’ll take the upthread comments about her at face value for now.
At least Nesmith has an actual website, but not much substance on it. Nesmith has the DSEA endorsement, and is a professional educator FWIW.
LWV’s Vote411 has some details about the candidates and questionnaire responses if it could be helpful.
https://www.vote411.org/ballot
Nesmith has a ton of experience. Colmery is affiliated with the Patriots, the last time she had any educational experience was when she graduated from DTCC in 1991. She said that in a town hall. Ochoa is also inexperienced and has no clue what’s happening on the ground, especially with students who are under privileged. If you can access the Delaware Avenue Community Association page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Delaware-Avenue-Community-Association-139496519464799 , you can watch the town hall from Tuesday. please make a decision and go vote, in red clay or any district! Getting voters out there is what we need to do to stop the patriots from getting ahead.
Abraxas is a scion of the RWNJ Hudson family of Hudson Fields fame site of mask burnings and more. I knew him when he was a young artist when I lived in Bethany 20 or so years back. He was a nice enough guy but I guess he jumped on the crazy train.
I suspect the group is well financed.
Update: Abraxas is full blown Q you can buy your custom insurrection gear at http://www.daggerandquill.com and read his rantings as well:
“What is your Liberty Line?
The line, when crossed, that inspires you to stand up and defend your rights. 2020 is the year of the lockdown… We’re not fans of it, so we made some imagery for the freedom fighters among us.”
“Download copies of my Proclamation of Liberty and post at your business, tell the world you are essential!”
Abraxas has positioned himself as “Artist to the Insurrection”
Do they have a clubhouse? Are no girls allowed?
Looking at the Brandywine School District candidates, Kimberly Stock appears to me to be far and away the best candidate. It’s not every day that you get a Delaware Teacher of the Year to run for school board:
https://www.brandywineschools.org/cms/lib/DE50000195/Centricity/Domain/1470/Meet the Candidates 2021.pdf
That Scott Gesty is the guy who runs as a Libertarian every two years in RD 7, and that Dr. Tanya Hettler appears heavy on signs with her picture on them, and light on substance. What do others in BSD think?