Recently, concerns have been raised about negative campaigning in the School Board election campaigns.
When candidates file papers to run, they are given the opportunity to sign the “Code of Fair Campaign Practices” – per Elections Code Section 20440-20444 (see full text).
This is what it says specifically on the issue of negative campaigning:
(2) I shall not use or permit the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or his or her personal or family life.
I signed the document, agreeing to live by it.
Whenever people have posted comments that I believed to be problematic to the Facebook Group I manage (Culver City PEERS*), I responded. I let them know that I had signed this pledge, and I would be removing comments I considered to either violate Section 2, or that give the impression I was supporting negative campaigning toward any candidate.
I did this every time something unacceptable was posted. If anyone persisted, I eventually would block them from my group. The intent of the group was to share education news and have a healthy dialogue on the issues.
In addition, I specifically have asked anyone volunteering to help me get elected to the School Board to abide by these same principles.
Fundamentally, I believe people should be elected based on what they believe in, not as a result of negative campaigning. There have been a lot of negative, inaccurate, unnecessary things said and done during the campaigning by groups and by people on many sides of the issues.
I will continue to abide by the Code of Fair Campaign Practices. I urge all of the candidates, their campaigns and supporters to do the same.
You may learn more about my campaign on my website and on my Facebook page.
*PEERS stands for Parents and Educators for Equity and Resources in Schools.
Ms. Vizcarra may be contacted at claudiavizcarra4ccschoolboard@gmail.com
