Humble ISD school board candidate asks donors to make charitable contributions

HUMBLE, TX (KTRK) -- Bob Rehak is running for Humble ISD School Board, but his campaign as a challenger for the Position 1 seat has taken a unique approach.

"The community has been very good to me," Rehak said. "I wanted to give back."

He took out a newspaper advertisement on Tuesday telling voters not to donate to his campaign, but instead make a charitable donation. Click here to see Rehak's advertisement in its entirety.

"They need the money more than I do," explained the retired advertising executive. "Many people feel there is too much money spent on political campaigns. "

Rehak specifically asked donors to give to a charity which helps the working poor and disadvantaged students.

"It costs $80 for a kid to buy the recommended school supplies in the Humble ISD," he said. "Not many of the people in [low-income] Title 1 schools can afford that. "

The charity Rehak specifically mentioned is Humble Area Assistance Ministries. They do not involve themselves in any political campaigns, directly or indirectly. They're not endorsing any political candidate in any race. As a non-profit, they can't.

HAAM executive director Millie Garrison gave ABC13 a tour, showing classrooms, the food pantry, and the job search center where the organization helps up to 100 families every day.

"We live a wonderful community, and we're blessed for all the donations we receive," she said. "We couldn't do it without volunteers and donors."

Rehak is running against challenger Roli Cruz and incumbent Robert Sitton, a financial investment professional.

Sitton, a past board president, said he has the experience to keep the growing district headed in the right direction.

"If you're going to call it home, leave it better than you found it," he said. "We need people there who have been through it, understand it and can manage that from a fiscal policy standpoint and from a student standpoint."

Rehak said his priorities, if elected, are parent-input and more transparency. He also wants to help kids.

"There's a lot of need out there in the Humble ISD," he said.