By Roger Maxwell
I should like to add my voice to the letters about Tuesday’s School Board election.
So far I have selected Karlo Silbiger and Sue Robins. In examining my choices, my selections are based upon close, shoulder-to- shoulder work with Ms. Robins and Mr. Silbiger.
At Farragut Elementary I worked with Ms. Robins and witnessed her PTA presidency. Farragut had just experienced a multi- million dollar rehab on its campus. Unfortunately those at CCUSD had neglected to improve Farragut's asphalt playground, even expanding the asphalt “playground.”
At one Culver City High School open house, parking was expanded to Farragut's “playground.” I have pictures of the transmission fluid, oil spots and glass from a fender-bender that were left on Farragut's “playground.” I was among a group of parents and PTA officials who worked long, hard and very vocally so that Farragut children could have a grass playground, like all other CCUSD elementary schools.
Dr. Patricia Young, then CCUSD's Finance Director, worked with us. Somehow, she came up with $225,000 for the asphalt removal. A Farragut dad, and architect, donated his time and expertise. A grass playground was installed. No more inner city playground of asphalt at Farragut.
My work with Mr. Silbiger involved multiple events within Culver City. He has shown insight, awareness, an ability to string together solutions that have benefited all folks in Culver City.
Moreover, and I point to my bias here, his election flyer mailed to me was the only one of all the candidates’ literature I have received that displayed a union “bug.” Talk the talk. Walk the walk.
Finally, all of the candidates have strong leadership histories within our fair city. I know my third choice could serve CCUSD well. I am puzzled. however, at United Parents of Culver City for thinking there would not be political blowback from an education Political Action Committee.
A political PAC…in Culver City…in education? Come on.
And endorsing two before the deadline to file?
We all know each other here in Culver City. We know of the work being done. A PAC divides, does not unite.
BTW, some of my election lawn signs from 2003 were also vandalized. Before and after Halloween. It sort of goes with the territory, does it not?
I would like to give special thanks to those wonderful PTA volunteers and to those who have taught, and/or administered and helped public education in Culver City. We have a breadth of warmth, civility, and kindness in Culver City.
This will be a very close election. Every vote counts.
Mr. Maxwell, the father of two daughters who once lost a School Board race to Stew Bubar by the margin of a marble rolloff, may be contacted at roger__Maxwell@hotmail.com Note: Two underscores between names
