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In today's increasingly polarized political landscape, local elections often fly under the radar, allowing entrenched power structures to manipulate outcomes with minimal public scrutiny. This is precisely what seems to be unfolding in the Penn-Harris-Madison (PHM) School Board elections, where President Chris Riley's endorsements raise serious questions about democratic integrity and transparency.
The Crux of the Matter
Chris Riley, currently serving as the President of the PHM School Board, has openly endorsed three candidates out of six running for board positions in Penn and Harris Townships. While endorsements are not uncommon, Riley's actions echo broader concerns of political cronyism and control, reminiscent of South Bend Mayor James Mueller's controversial candidate endorsements and funding strategies. By backing specific candidates politically, Riley not only risks alienating potential future colleagues but also undermines the foundational principle that school board races should remain non-partisan. With his endorsements, Riley is creating his own party, much like Mueller did in South Bend.
Candidates on the PHM Ballot:
Authoritative Overreach or Necessary Leadership?
One could attempt to argue that Riley’s efforts aim to shape a more cohesive, effective board with individuals he believes will help the district the most. Yet, his history of alleged authoritative abuse paints a different picture. In 2022, board meeting attendee Andy Rutten (current St Joseph County Council District I Candidate) was arrested for speaking over his allotted time—a move seen by many as a draconian measure. Similarly, a “no trespassing order” issued to a PHM parent over a parody video of Riley further exemplifies Riley's contentious leadership style. Fellow PHM board member Matt Chaffee has gone so far as to publicly call for Riley's resignation, citing a profound breakdown of trust between the community and the school district.
The Crucial Role of Endorsements
In the current climate, endorsements should serve as a testament to a candidate's qualifications and integrity. Instead, Riley's endorsements appear to be strategically aligned with maintaining his sphere of influence. This approach risks transforming the school board into a monolithic entity, stifling diverse viewpoints and robust debate—elements crucial to any thriving democratic institution.
A Call for Voter Vigilance
As potential voters, especially moderates who value thoughtful, balanced governance, it's imperative to scrutinize these endorsements. Consider the implications of electing a board potentially beholden to a single individual's agenda. The PHM School Board must represent the diverse, evolving needs of its constituents rather than the interests of Chris Riley.
Who Riley Endorsed - Katie Inabnit Bell
Redress South Bend has recently acquired photos and a video from Katie Inabnit Bell’s private X (formerly Twitter) account. As you evaluate these images and view the video, consider whether Katie Inabnit Bell possesses the requisite maturity to make decisions impacting your children's future. Some might argue that her maturity level is questionable even for making personal choices. In one of the photos, Bell is depicted holding a child with the caption "shut the F*** up." Another image shows her consuming a pitcher of beer, requiring both hands to hold. The implications of the video are left for you to assess.
EDIT: In response to Katie Inabnit Bell's polite email request, we blocked the face of her daughter from the photo below.
