[Editor’s Note: The School Board candidate has filed two letters-to-the-editor on separate subjects.]
I want to give you my opinion and reaction to the Culver City Democratic Club’s endorsement forum last nght
Earlier yesterday I received an unsolicited email from someone who does not want to reveal his name because he fears retribution.
Here is the excerpt:
“I see that Alan Corlin has attacked you himself. His usual mode is to egg others into doing his dirty work. Corlin is a self-appointed kingmaker for City Council and now School Board. So, your campaign must worry him. That is why he wants to drive up your negatives. You are running ‘without’ his permission and are interfering with his plans for others. That would be Colin's view.
“Members of the Corlin political machine include Sandi Levin, Scott Malsin, Jeff Cooper and Laura Stuart. There is always a couple of Council want-a-bees (Cooper and Stuart). Negative campaigning is right out of the Levin playbook. Former Mayor Levin was Corlin's sponsor in 2000.”
This explains some of the personal attacks that have been made against me. They seem to be coordinated and orchestrated.
My answer to the critics: “What a waste of talent!”
I think all the candidates running for office are sincere in wanting to help the kids! I think it is a waste of resources to question the motives and disparage people who are trying to help the schools.
Up to now I have held back from making any personal attacks on my opponents. However, I reserve the right to defend myself against unwarranted attacks and smears done by surrogates.
Although I was endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democrats, I did not expect to be endorsed by the Culver City Democrats last night. I was clearly in the stomping ground of Karlo and Kathy. I could not possibly persuade their supporters and long time friends for voting for me. I congratulate them and do want to remind their friends that they still can vote for me as their third choice.
I think my best choice for winning is taking my cause directly to the people!
If there is a high turnout in the Nov. 3 election, I think I will be able to beat the “political machine” and win!
Letter No. 2: On Another Matter
I would like to respond to a personal attack made yesterday by Paul Ehrlich (“Critic Links Zirgulis to Snake Oil”) who is a leader in the campaign of my rival candidate, Kathy Paspalis.
Mr. Ehrlich not only has accused me of spreading “snake oil” and having “illegal thoughts,” he has completely misrepresented my positions on the issues.
My, my, Mr. Ehrlich. Since when have you become sheriff of the “thought police”? Are you going to cover me in snake oil and pour battery acid on me to punish me for my so-called “illegal thoughts”?
Last night at the Culver City Democratic Club meeting, I made an appeal and declaration to all the candidates running for School Board. I stated that I think that we all have the best intentions for our kids and our schools.
We may agree to disagree on some issues, but after all is said and done we are going to have to work together on the School Board.
It is a waste of resources to spend energy making personal attacks. Let’s discuss the issues and have an honest debate!
Some people may not agree with me on environmentally safe oil drilling bringing revenue to our schools.
However, please give me some credit for coming up with innovative ways to raise money for our schools.
Not only have I proposed raising money for schools through environmentally safe oil drilling, but I have also pointed out that the federal government has billions of dollars available in grant money. The Culver City School District needs to hire a grant writer to capture some of this money for school programs.
We can save over $600,000 for utilities by installing solar energy panels on the roofs of our schools. Other funding ideas include recycling programs, local businesses and community support.
I want to make Culver City Schools the BEST in the state! If some political machine wants to stop me, I am putting them on notice that I am a fighter and will defend myself accordingly. I will fight to the end for our SCHOOLS!
Mr. Zirgulis may be contacted at zirgulisr@yahoo.com
