5 Minutes With School Board Member Tim Sullivan on Not Seeking Re-Election

We recently caught up with school board member Tim Sullivan to discuss why he wasn't seeking re-election after his first term. Sullivan's main reasons revolved around his growing profession and his family. Seven candidates are currently vying for the three open school board seats, including current board president Tom Mays and board member Carol Winter.

Westlake Patch: Over the last several months, it seemed like the board splintered over what to do amid growing budget concerns. You and board member Nate Cross wanted deeper cuts to personnel expenditures and your peers disagreed. You had also voted against the $84 million school reconstruction in 2010, saying it was the wrong time as state funding shortfalls loomed. Given all that, was your decision to not run at all motivated by the seeming fundamental differences among board members on how and where money should be spent on personnel and operations? 

Sullivan: No. The fundamental differences gave me incentive to run again. My family and businesses require my full attention at this time. This was not the case when I ran in 2007.

The board actually splintered in January of 2010 when (board member Nate Cross) and I voted against the $84 million bond issue. 

I decided recently while on vacation with my family to not seek re-election. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our community and our excellent school system…I have always considered school board as a public service, not a career. I do plan to stay involved with young people via coaching sports and my involvement with the Suicide Prevention Education Alliance, whose mission is to prevent suicide by young people. 

Westlake Patch: Do you still have an interest in politics? Do you think you may run again for a different office in the years to come? 

Sullivan: Yes, I am still interested in politics and might run again. I have nothing in mind, but I would not rule it out. 

Westlake Patch: With three seats open, are you endorsing any of the candidates?

Sullivan: Yes, Michelle Albert, Robert Bodi, and Geoff Rapp. They are fiscal conservatives, have strong interests in education, and they have private sector experience which gives them an appreciation for the impact of their spending decisions. 

Westlake Patch: Was there a certain mission or objective you set out with in the beginning of your term? If so, do you feel you fulfilled it? 

Sullivan: No, I had no specific mission or objective. I merely had a broad goal of using my educational background and my experiences as a Navy veteran and business executive and owner to promote fiscal responsibility and academic excellence in our district. 

Westlake Patch: Over the next four years, would you hope to see any particular changes that, in your point of view, would help to improve the district? 

Sullivan: Yes. During my time on the board, I came to believe or conclude that our district spends too much money because of unsustainable union contracts, taxes too much as a result, and, most unforgiveable, plans to spend even more money and increase taxes more. The result today is a very large operating deficit that is growing rapidly. There is no serious effort to control costs and get them in line with reduced revenues. I am concerned that the district’s only plan is to raise taxes. Where is the cost reduction plan? This is unfair to our community and not fiscally responsible. 

I will be very proud of my board service if and when I hear our district administration and a majority of the school board acknowledge the budget points I have been making.

As reference, check out these stories that relate to the district's budgetary matters:

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