I posted a poll to the right over there ------------> , as I wanted to get an idea as to whether people were interested in having an informal Q & A session with the MDUSD board candidates. In 2008 we held a few of these, at homes, at Rocco's and at Skips in Clayton. We had dozens turn out for the various meetings and at Rocco's it was often packed. Yes, there was more controversy then - but now?
Would YOU attend an informal forum? I have contacted the candidates that have posted here (Brian Lawrence, Cheryl Hansen and Jeff Adams) and Linda Mayo, as I readily know how to contact them, I have not yet heard from Lynne Dennler, Roy Larkin or Jan Trezise. I am unsure how to reach these people. Jan Trezise, I'm actually not sure if she's still in the race, during the candidate forum with the Times, she apparantly made a rash decision not to run, then retracted afterwards. Anyway, googling any of their names did not yield a website or any contact information.
By the way, so far I've only heard back from one, Brian Lawrence, who says he's happy to attend a forum if one occurs.
Soooo, having said all that, what are your thoughts so far? What do you think about the fact MDEA has not endorsed any candidates? In 2008, MDEA was a strong force with much money behind the Eberhart-Whitmarsh run for board seats. Compared to 2008, it sure feels pretty apathetic out there so far. Does anyone care?
Links of interest:
Smart Voter site
Times Vorderbrueggen recap on forum
Replay of the Times candidate forum
Theresa Harrington: No teachers' union endorsement in MDUSD Trustee Race
How sad that only 11 people said they were interested in your poll.
ReplyDeleteTo all the people who complain on this blog and others, this is exactly what we are talking about when we say that complaining isn't doing anything.
Why is there apathy at a time when it seems posters have plenty of complaints? Because people don't actually want to DO anything, they just want to bloviate on a post to make them feel like are doing something.
I think it would be great to see the candidates on a small scale. I would also like to hear from Linda Mayo as she is the only incumbent running.
What are her thoughts on what has been going on in the district? What is her vision for the future? Has she addressed that issue of equity that was asked before?
I feel like people running for the board need to make themselves available to the voters. I appreciate Brian Lawrence's willingness to participate and I hope that the other people running will too.
With all the complaints about the district, are we willing to put an incumbent back on the board? Are we willing to vote for other newcomers who don't want to stand in front of us to tell us their ideas?
The site lately has averaged 160 visitors per day. 11 responses to the poll? Yup, certainly interesting, though, not surprising (sadly). Other than Lawrence, no responses from candidates either. Sounds like I'll be checking one more thing off my "to do" list .
ReplyDeleteAs a labeled "complainer" I have not taken the poll because I along with a small group of parents have interviewed one candidate by email, are meeting with two others in my home this week, and have been in discussions for a while now about setting up a meeting with a fourth candidate. As for the remaining two candidates... I have not been able to find contact information.
ReplyDeleteSo some of us who complain do care and this election is important to us. I am getting so tired of the rhetoric that claims that only those that agree with the district do anything... it just isn't true.
Please know that we can be vocally dissatisfied and still volunteer. We can be vocally dissatisfied and be engaged. We can be vocally dissatisfied and truly have the best interest of the kids in mind. AND we can disagree and still care about making this district better.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteCome on now. We all know that kind of talk will get you labeled as "An Enemy of the Kids of MDUSD" by you know who.
Linda- Who says that you can't disagree and be a volunteer? My reference was only to those people who just complain and don't do anything. There are a lot of them out there.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes you think every poster who disagrees with you agrees with everything the district does? That's a leap.
It's not your complaining, which you have every right to do, that bothers me. It's the manner in which you respond. You seem to alternate between being a victim and being overly aggressive.
You obviously care about what goes on in the district. I hope that you will come back and share your feelings about the candidates you meet.
What is the most interesting is that all of the candidates are willing to post general comments, but none of them want to answer specific questions on the blog.
ReplyDeleteDoctor J
Doctor J,
ReplyDeleteWhy would anyone answer questions directly. The most direct people in this area are already board members and you hammer them all the time.
I did respond to questions in the comment thread of my post and am happy to continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteFriends are hosting a coffee for me tomorrow night in Walnut Creek. Anyone is welcome to attend this event, ask questions and share concerns. It will be at 7:30 PM at 570 Walnut Ave. Please email info@briantlawrence.com if you are attending or if you have any questions.
I'm also meeting with Linda and other concerned parents on Wednesday night. As MDUSD Parents has indicated, I'm open to attending a forum with other candidates or by myself.
Numerous parents have indicated to me that lack of communication from the district and/or Board is a concern. I'm conducting my campaign the same way I will serve on the Board- accessible and open to hearing other points of view. Effective communication must be bi-directional.
My email address is brian@briantlawrence and my phone number is 925-526-5354.
Roy Larkin is also running for the Mt. Diablo Health Care District, which according to the paper today seems to be a waste.
ReplyDeleteSome of the things that the district did in the past was provide defib machines and CPR training to our schools.
Would this be a conflict of interest if Mr. Larkin made it on both boards?