Here’s where things get interesting:
Peter Gorman, the 42-year-old head of the Tustin, Calif., schools, clearly made the biggest impression. Interviews with the panelists consistently showed Gorman with the highest marks for candor, passion and vision.
Yet we can be fairly certain that CMS interim Superintendent Frances Haithcock still has the votes of Joe White, Vilma Leake, and George Dunlop. In the anti-Haithcock caucus, if not exactly pro-Gorman, we can reasonably place Kaye McGarry, Larry Gauvreau, and Ken Gjertsen. That leaves the so-called Radical Middle caucus of Tom Tate, Kit Cramer, and Molly Griffin with a decision to make.
Cramer, for one, will doubtless feel a pull to towards Gorman as the most Chamber-worthy choice. Will she actually vote that way? Lobby for Tate and Griffin to do the same? Stay tuned.
The Observer also is now in a tight spot, despite the bizarre “new search” wiggle room it tried to carve out a week ago. That editorial seemed to suggest that unless the Board could overwhelmingly back one candidate, it should start over. Sorry, no time for that. We’re down to Haithcock or a not Haithcock alternative that a lot of folks seem to like. Which one will the paper back?
As a result of Gorman’s performance, the phone lines are going to be buzzing between now and Tuesday’s Board meeting and who knows what kind of deals will be cut. But the outcome should be very entertaining and, yes, educational.
Update: Terry Grier counted the votes and has withdrawn from the race. There is no ducking the choice now. Gorman or Haithcock. Pick one.
