It has always seemed odd to me that a candidate would not list his or her strongest assets in the campaign literature where it can scrutinized by the many. I made the statement that “I am just curious.”
It evoked a response from School Board candidate Alan Elmont and no response from candidate Kathy Paspalis.
But, on behalf of Ms. Paspalis, former Mayor Sandi Levin said that I “impugned her.”
Are the statements from Ms. Levin to be considered the official statements of Ms. Paspalis?
Ms. Levin said that Culver City is still a small town where communication, respect and one-on-one discussion are valued. If you had only taken a moment to call her before attempting to impugn her publicly, she wrote.
However, I notice that honesty and truthfulness are never mentioned. Civility? What’s that? Accountability is overused and has lost its meaning through the political evolution.
The candidates want us to elect them on Nov. 3 based on their qualifications for the School Board and innovative ideas.
What are the qualifications?
Mr. Elmont’s response:
Creating Booster Clubs along with three others, formation of the Bullying Task Force and various recommendations as a member of the Community Budget Advisory Committee.
These include adoption of a plan to reduce student absences, increasing the Reserve Fund when a one-time Workers Comp rebate occurred, establishing a fund for the “unfunded” retirement benefits. Both of these funds are depleted. But they played a significant role in reducing the number of people laid off because of the budget cuts
He also cited establishing the priorities for budget cuts, keeping as many teachers, aides and programs including music, arts and athletics, and decisions not to use one-time money to fund on-going expenses
Question: Are these your original ideas?
Ms. Paspalis says that she was elected Site Council member, participates in Board meetings, offers comments and meets regularly with the Superintendent to volunteer ideas and assistance and discuss issues facing our schools.
The School District spends over $600,000 per year on electricity.
Karlo Silbiger, Robert Zirgulis, Mr. Elmont and Ms. Paspalis all have mentioned this fact recently. All of them suggested solar as a way to cut cost.
In Mr. Z’s literature, he mentions renting out the schools’ roofs to the solar companies.
Mr. Silbiger’s literature mentions greening of the schools, no mention of solar.
Mr. Elmont’s literature mentions nothing about greening or solar.
Ms. Paspalis literature makes no mention of solar or greening.
Ms. Levin’s response-
Example No. 1: Because the School District spends more than $600,000 per year on its electric bill, Kathy worked with other parents to research and present proposals for an energy efficiency audit and solar energy installations. They met with the District, did a lot of legwork. The District is now moving forward with these money saving proposals.
Mr. Z’s literature mention’s a Therapy Dog Program. The first time I have heard of it.
Ms. Paspalis literature makes no mention of this program. Has she said this in public?
Ms. Levin’s response:
Example No. 3: Parents told Kathy about a program that has been very successful in other districts, helping struggling young readers improve their reading skills and their love of reading. They were having trouble getting it adopted in Culver City.
Example No. 2: Parents said they wanted more elective options at the Middle School for their children. Kathy worked for over a year with a small group of parents to survey parents' needs, meet with administrators and develop a “zero period option” at no cost to the District. Question: Would the results have been the same if there was a cost?
Mr. Elmont, Mr. Silbiger and Ms. Paspalis recently mentioned renting out the District’s facilities to produce additional income. Did all three develop this idea simultaneously?
One person sticks out from the rest, but he is rarely mentioned, candidate Gary Abrams.
His platform is distinguished from the rest. He is believable. Honest. May be all politicians can take note. Most politicians are playing to the audience, promise you the world. Once in, it’s another story.
It appears that there has evolved a blending of the candidates’ ideas over the course of this campaign. Win at any cost.
There was an old show that came on television some years ago. It featured contestants all claiming to be the original person. The panel would ask questions, then try to figure out who was that person. I think it was called “What’s My Line?” Will the real one stand up?
Mr. Israel may be contacted at Traylut56@hotmail.com
