In Response To Cory Swanson
Author: Jamie Lawson
In response to the opinion piece “Life and Basketball” by former County Attorney Cory Swanson, I feel compelled to clarify several misleading statements.
My name is Jami Lawson. I am a third-grade teacher at Townsend Elementary and the wife of David Lawson, the former girls’ basketball coach. The petition for the recall election of school board trustee Chase Ragen, initiated by concerned members of our community, is based on a violation of the oath of office—specifically, the requirement that a trustee discharge their duties with fidelity—as well as official misconduct.
As an invested member of this community and, especially, as a school teacher, I am disappointed that Mr. Swanson did not do his homework before writing his recent letter to the editor regarding the recall petition against Trustee Chase Ragen. On a topic as serious as elected officials violating their oath of office and the ethical standards required of public servants, I had hoped for more due diligence and less surface-level commentary.
Mr. Swanson’s assertion that “you can’t recall an elected official just because you don’t like the decision he or she made” grossly oversimplifies the situation. The recall petition does not hinge on disagreement over a coaching decision—it stems from documented misconduct, violations of board policies, breaches of open meeting laws, and behavior that has raised concerns among parents, staff, and community members alike. These are not “differences of opinion,” as Mr. Swanson suggests—they are legal and ethical failures that demand accountability.
He also states, “Love or hate the school board’s decision, a re-hiring of a basketball coach probably does not fall within the recall election criteria.” Again, this comment reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the issue. The petition outlines clear and repeated violations that go far beyond a single personnel decision. To reduce it to that is dismissive of both the facts and the rights of the voters who signed it.
Mr. Swanson further writes, “Conflict begets conflict,” implying that raising concerns is the source of division. I respectfully disagree. Unchecked silence, not conflict, is what allows power to be misused. Remaining quiet when officials act inappropriately is not unity—it is complicity. Citizens have every right, and indeed a responsibility, to speak out when elected officials misuse their positions.
Finally, Mr. Swanson’s statement that “some people have made it their mission to sow discord” is not only disheartening—it’s insulting. Asking for ethical leadership and lawful conduct is not “sowing discord.” It is civic responsibility. To suggest that registered voters taking lawful steps to address misconduct are the problem is a dangerous message to send, especially in a community that values transparency and accountability.
As a teacher and a parent, I work hard to instill in both my students and my own children the importance of standing up for what is right—even when it’s difficult, and even when doing so might not bring the results you hope for right away. This recall petition may or may not reach the required number of signatures, but it will not be in vain. It has already begun to spread awareness, encourage civic engagement, and bring long-overdue misconduct to light. And really—who among us doesn’t want our community to be better informed? Who doesn’t want our elected officials, whether on the school board or in county leadership, to be held to standards of transparency, fairness, and service free from personal agendas?
This petition is neither political nor personal— it is a call for integrity. As someone who has observed the board meetings firsthand, I am deeply disappointed by Mr. Swanson’s decision to remain neutral rather than speak out against clear wrongdoing. Simply stating that “mistakes were made” is not enough. When elected officials violate policy, misuse their authority, or unfairly target individuals, accountability is not optional — it is essential.
I encourage anyone who has not yet watched the public meetings to do so. Let the facts speak for themselves. The truth is not a matter of opinion—it’s a matter of record.
Sincerely,
Jami Lawson
Townsend School District Employee, Townsend Resident
