Response to Jacumin and Blackwell's Canned Response

Dear Mr. Blackwell and Mr. Jacumin:

I received your bulk responses to my emails pleading for intervention into this rapidly deteriorating situation, and I am extremely disappointed that you don't have the political will to assist us. Please know that this will be an issue for you both when you run for office in the future.

Since you have claimed to have “friends” on both sides of the issue, and since it is clear to the majority of Burke Countians that your “friends” are causing the destruction of the county school system, wouldn’t it be “friendly” and responsible to persuade your “friends” on the board to resign?

As someone who supported the board majority in their elections, you must feel some personal responsibility for their actions – they are destroying the school system and appear to be self-destructing at the same time. Please be a “friend” to them and pressure them to step down.

You both can fill their seats with other republicans if you want, just make sure they have the interests of our children as their first priority. (I do not endorse any partisanship in this election, but I am not so naïve that I think you and the party haven’t had a hand in this situation by supporting the board majority.) As a registered Republican, I am ashamed that my local representatives act in this manner.

We will certainly be thinking of you both as our property values plummet and people leave the county to seek better educational options for their children.

Sincerely,

Catherine R. Thomas
1660 Plantation Court
Morganton, North Carolina 28655