toledoblade.com --

LAMBERTVILLE - The Bedford Board of Education last night decided not to stand in the way of presumptive presidential nominee John Kerry's plan to speak to the district's high school graduating class during its commencement next month.

A lone board member who had opposed the Democratic Massachusetts senator's speech at the June 6 graduation reversed his position last night after three hours of listening to nearly 80 people - most of whom supported the senator's visit.

"I think we had this forum for the purpose it was intended," said board member Steve Lennex after he decided against entering a motion to consider an alternative to Mr. Kerry.

"It became clear to me that he should come," he said. "I'm only sorry this affected my kids."

His daughter, who is in the graduating class, was in tears as she hugged Mr. Lennex after the meeting.

"My main concern was that it was divisive," Mr. Lennex, a Republican, said. "I still have concerns, but I think there is a consensus … John Kerry is going to come on June 6."

The divisive issue of the presidential hopeful's speech drew nearly 250 people to an at times contentious special meeting last night at Monroe Road Elementary.

Suzanne Johnson, a senior and student council president, drew two standing ovations during a powerful speech she delivered in favor of Mr. Kerry speaking at the graduation.

"Some individuals are trying to shield us from a political arena that many of us are already members of. We have been raised in a world of politics and democracy," Miss Johnson said. "Isn't ironic? A student sought out and brought in the most auspicious event that has ever graced Bedford, and some school board members are working to stop it."

The issue arose when Bedford senior Brandon Spader asked President Bush and Mr. Kerry for interviews for the high school newspaper. Mr. Kerry's campaign responded by volunteering him as a speaker for the graduation ceremony at the University of Toledo's Savage Hall.

Mr. Lennex said he had support from community members and parents who were concerned that the ceremony would become a media circus if Mr. Kerry were allowed to speak.

"Obviously, all the people who called me didn't come tonight," he said.

Carolyn Miller, a Temperance resident whose son is in the graduating class, criticized Mr. Lennex.

"The only political hijacking has not been by Senator Kerry, but by one member of the school board running for re-election," Ms. Miller said.

Mr. Lennex, a real-estate broker, is on the June 14 ballot for re-election to the school board.

David Housel, an 18-year-old senior who is a Republican, said he supported Mr. Kerry's visit despite his political affiliation.

"I plan on voting for Bush, but I think it's excellent if you can have a senator and possibly the next president of the United States, and I think it would be foolish not to let him come."

A vocal minority of opponents called the move a "blatant exploitation" of the school by the Kerry campaign.

Senior Andrew Hinkle, 18, was one of several students opposed to Mr. Kerry's planned speech.

"It's our graduation, and if Kerry comes all the attention will be on him," Mr. Hinkle said. "The senior class is divided over political reasons and even if some students like Kerry and want him to speak, there will still be all the security and protesters."

Juli Winkelman of Bedford Township said her daughter Becky may not attend the graduation in protest of the senator's speech.

"I think that he should not come because it's a political ploy, basically," Ms. Winkelman said. "Kerry saw an opportunity to come because he knows these are swings states - it's total exposure for him."

Before allowing the public to speak, school board President Bill Henning asked Bedford High School Principal Denny Caldwell to give a presentation on the ground rules set for Mr. Kerry's appearance. Mr. Lennex had objected to the presentation, but withdrew his objection after the crowd applauded for it.

Mr. Caldwell said the senator's speech must not have political statements in it, that media would be restricted to a platform behind the graduates, and that there would be no signs allowed. He also noted that tickets for the event would be limited.

"Our intent is to keep the general public out - not the Bedford community," he said. "The speech is motivational. … People have said that Senator Kerry is using us as a photo-op. I respond that we are using him as a great educational opportunity."

Contact Ignazio Messina at
imessina@theblade.com
or 419-724-6088.

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