Thought about this for awhile. Watched smart people left baffled by CMS’ sudden move to rework dozens of schools, close 12 outright — including a high school.
Then I remembered the admiration that Peter Gorman expressed for the Mecklenburg County library system in immediately igniting public furor by shuttering branches when confronted with budgetary constraints.

I think the meta-message being sent to the public by CMS is this: If want to keep your school open, vote for the Democrats who will keep the money flowing from the county commission to us.

Is there bloat and duplication which could be cut out of CMS? Heavens yes. Would this be going on with or without a county balance-of-power election year? Probably. Is there some top secret war room bunker that plans out such things? Not if you don’t count the Lee Institute.

Seriously, add to the mix the “something for everyone” city of Charlotte bond package on the ballot along with the county races, and a certain political feedback loop and message harmony is being sent to local voters. Shorthand it reads, our schools, libraries, parks, and neighborhoods are short of money. Please go vote for more money.

Let’s see if that happens.