Lawrence “Larry” Gray, Candidate for
School Board President in the
November 7, 2000, General Election
Complaint about campaign signs by Peggy Cooper Cafritz, September 19, 2000

Fm: Lawrence A. (Larry) Gray
Gray for Kids Committee
600 14th St., NE
Washington, DC 20002

19 September 2000

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding the conduct of the non-partisan election for President, DC Board of Education, in that; The non-partisan nature of the election for President of the Board of Education in the District of Columbia has been violated by one of the candidates involved. Peggy Cooper Cafritz, 3030 Chain Bridge Rd., NW, Washington, DC 200E6.

Ms. Cafritz has had campaign posters disseminated on her behalf throughout the city which indicate a party affiliation in a non-partisan election. Ms. Cafritz has posted signs in violation of the three to a side of a street rule which read; Democrat, Peggy Cooper Cafritz, President, School Board. I believe this violates the spirit, tradition and implicit rules governing this election. Such a declaration on signs indicates not only affiliation with the Democrat party but also, in this case, implies endorsement by or official designation as the official candidate of the Democrat Party. As a non-partisan candidate she has not undergone a primary for such designation and is not entitled to that privilege. It is misleading to DC's voters in a General Election. All candidates have signed a statement of candidacy for a non-partisan position.

I am a current member of the Democrat Party State Committee and a past President of the Ward 6 Democrat Party. I have scrupulously avoided mentioning party affiliation in my biographical information and questionnaires as a candidate for President, Board of Education. I strenuously deplore her action and seek remedial action by the Office of Campaign Finance and the Board of Elections and Ethics, that she cease and desist and remove said signs from public postings. She should comply with the non-partisan nature of the office to which she seeks election and should list any endorsements made during the campaign appropriately on printed materials of the endorsing party or her campaign.

I hope you will concur with my contention that the posted signs violate the signed official documents for candidacy which we all are required to affirm to qualify for office. Each day that such public postings are allowed to continue has an adverse impact on the nature of this contest. It ill informs the public and causes confusion regarding the nature of this most important public office.

Sincerely,

Lawrence A. (Larry) Gray
Candidate, President Board of Education