Re “Democrats Endorse Silbiger and Vizcarra”
If you are interested in local politics, last week's endorsement singling out just one of the School Board incumbents and choosing a relative newcomer should not come as much of a surprise. If you are a parent who wants to improve our aging school facilities, however, the Culver City Democratic Club's endorsement is not a good sign at all.
Some background: Annual turnout for School Board elections hardly cracks the 1300 mark with barely 15 percent of parents voting.
Endorsements like these help cash-starved local candidates fast-forward themselves into the electorate's consciousness as they look for a bubble to fill in. Incumbent, check; concerned parent, check. No-brainer.
But that is only if you don't want to use your brain. With just a cursory look at performance and voting record – incumbent to incumbent – you will find a vast difference worth noting. Compare Kathy Paspalis's visible action on developing solutions for the continued challenges that face Culver City schools. Her record contrasts starkly with Karlo Silbiger's procedural inactivity, conspicuous silence on parent-funded aides, and record of votes against not only one, but two capital improvement efforts.
If you look at parent action, there's Dr. Steve Levin's participation in creating a channel for parents to supplement staffing at all CCUSD schools, vs. Claudia Vizcarra's campaign on behalf of the Classified Employees union, whose demands resulted in an initial 40 percent loss of parent-funded staffing at Linwood E. Howe Elementary.
As a proponent for improvement, I would like a better prepared School Board, more support for the primary mission of CCUSD, and more informed action.
A great example is Sue Robins. She brings experience as not only a teacher, but a PTA leader, and a business owner specializing in employee growth and training. Dr. Levin is a candidate who brings a history of community action and organization. And he has helped to focus parents' influence in CCUSD.
If you are looking for ideas and action in an incumbent, you can't match Ms. Paspalis's creativity and persistence in the face of a Board that seems more concerned with policies and procedure than about adjusting to a changing educational landscape.
So why should you care about club or union endorsements? No reason at all.
Actions speak louder than words.
The candidates who get your vote should be the ones who have demonstrated the energy and interest to come to the job prepared, capable of collaboration, and willing to act decisively.
If you are fired up and ready for some change in Culver City Unified, let's ensure that the voices of parents are heard equally with property owners and seniors.
Make sure you are registered to vote. Be certain on Nov. 5 that your candidates will actually communicate and work with all stakeholders to bring our schools into this decade and do the best by our kids.
Mr. Walsleben may be contacted at pwalsleben@motorstudio.com
