#132: Renee Fullerton and Rhyan Smith (Olympia School Board)
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Erika Lari from OSD4All again takes the wheel to talk with Renee Fullerton and Rhyan Smith, who are facing off for the position in District 3 on the Olympia School Board.
3 Replies to “#132: Renee Fullerton and Rhyan Smith (Olympia School Board)”
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Ryan Smith I am sorry about your loss with your father. I have also experienced a loved one’s life taken due to murder. I don’t wish that on anyone. My question to you is is that you expressed that you want the person who murdered your father to have a second chance at life. That is wonderful. Earlier you spoke to my background. First and foremost, it is not extensive, nor do I have any violent offenses. In addition, while I don’t have to prove anything to you, the convictions on my record were over 20 years ago. Neither are felonies and there are are two sides to every story. You don’t know happened. Nonetheless, you have expressed anger and frustration because I was appointed with a criminal background. Clearly, nothing precludes me from serving or working with vulnerable populations. You don’t know me nor do you know what happened in these cases. You do however know the details of someone who confessed to murdering your father and you believe that his killer should be afforded opportunities to get his life on track..He would not be allowed to work around children…You don’t make sense. I have served hundreds of children and families in this community for many years ensuring that they have access to books for reading and gifts for the holidays, been a direct service provider, serve on multiple boards, was a business owner, raised two very successful children in the OSD and have 100 percent made better choices than I made 2o years ago and you don’t think I had a right volunteer and serve my community as a school board director? Not to mention I am very qualified for the job. Make your statements make sense….one last point, Do you believe that only people with something on their background have broken the law? Many people have done far worse and not gotten caught. I only share that to say, you come across as having an issue with a Black woman serving on the school board. Very judgemental. It’s been 4 years, you mention my name every time you get invited to an interview. That’s problematic. You have never reached out to me to have a single conversation or to ask me any questions about my personal business. I commend you for running for office, despite your unwarranted attacks. Everyone has a right to have their voice heard.