In a widely disseminated email message launched before dawn this morning, Roger Maxwell, one of the most familiar faces in the huge field for the School Board, disclosed his withdrawal from the Nov. 3 race.
“For personal reasons,” he said.
As a multi-time contender, Mr. Maxwell was the graybeard of the field that now has been shrunk to six candidates for three open seats on the five-member Board.
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Roger Maxwell, with his daughters
Although the email was directed to an unknown but wide number of persons, he asked recipients to remain mum until tomorrow.
By then, he explained, he will have had time to share his decision with his supporters.
According to Mr. Maxwell’s email, the recipient roster included District Supt. Dr. Myrna Rivera Cote, the entire School Board, his former rivals, the Teachers Union, the Classified Employees Union, the Democratic Club, the Registrar of Voters, this newspaper and print newspapers — pretty much a critical mass of the community.
“Culver City is blessed to have diverse and strong candidates competing for the open seats,” Mr. Maxwell said in his email.
“I neither endorse nor oppose any of the candidates.
“I do, however, fully support Measure EE, the parcel tax initiative.
“I will continue to volunteer at the Culver City schools and voice my opinions at school board meetings as a parent. I would like to thank my supporters and ask for your understanding.”
No doubt Mr. Maxwell’s bitterest experience as a candidate was in his first race six years ago. Remarkably, he and incumbent Stew Bubar finished in a flatfooted tie after the popular race. The outcome ultimately was determined by withdrawing marbles from a beanbag.
