As a candidate himself, Scott McVarish suggests that one reason school board elections are exempted from donation limits “because they intentionally benefit candidates who have a lot of parent support.
“Frankly,” said the attorney, “parent candidates and their parent supporters tend not to be very experienced with FPPC (Fair Political Practices Committee) filings.
“It is just easier to let them do as much volunteer work, and as much cupcake-sales work as they want,” Mr. McVarish said.
He is running as an entry with his friend Anne Burke for the two open seats on the School Board in the Nov. 3 election. Prof. Kelly Kent is the third contender.
“Parents are always volunteering,” said the only male in the race. “I am very fortunate, along with Anne, to have a lot of parent volunteers on this campaign.
“We are lucky that their volunteerism is not going to be somehow capped.”
Since Mr. McVarish and Ms. Burke have declared they are running, uniquely, as a team, does that shape the School Board race as two against one, Dr. Kent?
Said he: “I think Anne and I are offering a solution to voters.
“A great team will be remaining on the School Board, (Steve) Levin, (Sue) Robins and (Kathy) Paspalis.
“Voters need to figure out who else belongs on that team. Anne and I are offering them a solution that we belong on that team, that we are supported by that team.
“We like that team,” Mr. McVarish said. “I don’t see this as a campaign against Kelly at all. This is a campaign of Anne and I are telling voters we are the solution for the missing holes in the team.”
Provocative headline. The question as I recall was about the pending rule changes for City Council. My answer was that I was focused on CCUSD/School Board issues and had not been following that rulemaking. In terms of school district campaigns, I want all parents to be able to participate in the process, so my full quote was: ““Frankly, parent candidates and their parent supporters tend not to be very experienced with FPPC filings so it’s good, and easier, to let them do as much volunteer work, and as much cupcake-sales work as they want.”
Duh! “Unlimited volunteering.” I have nothing against attorneys, but contrary to popular belief a lot of attorneys are not that smart. Remembering the 3 Amigos. Paspalis is the last remnant. I hope that the citizens will resist attempts at commandeering the school board with a not so super pac UPCC “unlimited funding. ”
CCUSD volunteer of the year 2009-2010