Candidates Visit TCHS For School Board Candidates’ Forum
Three School Board candidates, Robert McKendrick, Dan Arrighi, and Joan Vizcarra attended the first forum co-sponsored by Temple City Voice and Temple City High School Junior State of America (JSA) which took place in Temple City High School on September 17, 2007. Of the six candidates, Rachel LaSota, Janet Rhee, and Robert (Bob) Ridley were absent.
The forum began at 7 p.m. and lasted about two hours, giving the public and students alike a chance to acquire more information on the candidates and each individual’s purpose for running. Introductions were made, followed by pre-submitted questions for each candidate. During the intermission, the audience was given a chance to submit questions that were answered towards the end of the event.
One of the first questions asked was what attracted them to local politics, Arrighi responded with, “…if you live in the community, you should give back to the community.”
Another question touched upon was how they would deal with safety. “Can we make it safe, yeah. But there’s a price for that,” responded McKendrick. “You can’t guarantee [safety] but we can do a better job.”
Answering the question of what the first thing they would like to do for the district, Vizcarra responded, “Safety issues. The hours between 3 and 6 are crucial.”
People in the audience were asked to write their questions on note cards which were then given to the moderator to ask the present candidates. Among the many questions asked, one important and controversial issues addressed was the necessity of the $65 million bond. In an April 14, 1998 special election, Temple City voters voted heavily in favor of a $24 million bond.
Responding to the issue, Vizcarra replied, “I haven’t seen the list, I’m trying to defer this one because I don’t think we need the bond.” However, McKendrick stated, “Bleachers are falling apart at Oak because it’s old. Money has to be spent wisely, but it has to be spent.” Arrighi agreed, stating that, “… we need a good environment for students.”
Many other questions were asked, touching on subjects such as plans, racial tension/prevention of, and parks. The candidates responded to all with vigor and interest. With closing remarks, each candidate thanked JSA and Temple City Voice as well as the people who attended, bringing the forum to a successful conclusion.
The School Board election will take place November 6, 2007, but residents planning to vote must be registered by October 22, 2007.
This article was written by Angie Yeh. It was published in the Temple City Voice on September 26, 2007.
The Temple City Voice 