To the editor:

When I decided to run for Lee County School Board, I did so because I care about the children and our future. We are paying more than ever and our kids are short changed. Those who are not provided education are cut off from a productive future and are stuck in ignorance and poverty. This is an urgent situation and we are seeing the ramifications in our elections and our jails which could be mistaken one for the other at times.

So I decided that I would sacrifice my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor to restore local control and end Common Core with our team of like-minded warriors here and across the nation.

But I had no idea that my seeking justice for our kids would put my husband’s job and life in jeopardy. Irresponsible news reporters yesterday, fanned the flames of a violent movement against police by calling him a racist cop and putting out his picture and information. This is the lowest, most callous and careless form of political hit I can imagine and the potential results could be dire, not just for us, but for the entire community.

My husband of 38 years is not a racist and never has been. Sharing a few conservative Facebook posts others in the department also shared does not make him one.

Never mind that these forwarded posts simply reflect the views that we should honor our Constitution and the rule of law, that victims should matter more than criminals, that disrespecting our flag and our country while making millions is ludicrous, that illegal immigrants are breaking the law, and that our welfare system is out of control and robs people of the dignity of work.

These posts were also shared by thousands including many other conservative deputies. Chuck is a hard working deputy who comes home at the end of each 12 hour day glad he could make a difference protecting the community he loves. This hit against him is a completely bogus setup to end my campaign.

Their next move is to dredge up 18 year old hit pieces on Chuck while he was the extremely popular Insurance Commissioner of California. Here’s the Web site done way back then, completely describing what happened and why: chuckquackenbush.com. He was never charged with any crime and was completely exonerated of any wrong doing in civil court, but it took two years. This was a similar battle, destroying a man for political gain with willing media cooperation.

This is the Saul Alinsky method up close and personal.

If you can respond to the media on their Facebook pages or call the stations with your thoughts, it might help. Writing letters to the editor helps as well.

Politics is a blood sport.

Chris Quackenbush

Fort Myers