Jewish Star Editorial

Crossing the line

It's been quiet around here.

That's been the most obvious result of the recent uncontested election to the Lawrence school board. Renewed tension and unpleasantness that some expected between District 15 residents who are Orthodox Jews, and those who aren't, never materialized. Without competing slates to support at the polls, there just wasn't all that much to disagree about and most of the big mouths kept quiet.

Perhaps that's why the Lawrence Association president's comments this week, in which she cited religious affiliation as a reason to oppose a political appointment, were so jarring.

As reportedon Page 1, Jacqueline B. Handel cited Michael Fragin's Orthodoxy — or “ultra” Orthodoxy, in her words, as she apparently sought to tar an investment banker as a fanatic — as a valid reason to oppose his appointment to an open seat on Lawrence's Board of Trustees.

There are other qualified candidates, she maintained. OK. How lucky for the Village of Lawrence to be blessed with a surfeit of qualified public servants.

He isn't qualified, she further claimed — an absurd statement in our estimation. Fragin has attended more village meetings in recent years than almost anyone, giving him ample insight into the workings of the local body politic. And he can be expected to wield that insight on the Village's behalf using the political tools gained in years of front-line experience in government. He has, after all, been a high-ranking aide to two governors. Who's better qualified, in Ms. Handel's estimation, except as measured by rank in cronyism?

Making absurd statements in the course of political argument is not unusual, as anyone who pays attention to politics is well aware. It's objectionable only because it leaves voters wishing we could do better than to elect people who say dumb things.

However, it is more objectionable to come right out and say, “The new trustee does not have to be someone who is ultra-Orthodox.” With no shame Handel added, “There are many non-religious and non-Jewish people who live in the village who could be represented.”

Does she mean to suggest that officials who are members of a particular Christian denomination can be expected to truly represent only those voters who happen to attend the same church? Doubtful. How insulting and disrespectful to stereotype Orthodox Jews in that fashion.

Publisher’s Note: We congratulate Michael Fragin on his new post and wish him much success. With regret we note a company policy which forbids public officials from being regular columnists. We will miss publishing Michael’s astute political observations in The Jewish Star each week.