JSA and TCV Plan Candidates’ Forum
In a joint effort to further involve the community in the November School Board elections, the Temple City Voice and the Temple City High School Junior State of America (JSA) chapter will co-host a candidates’ forum.
Citizens, prospective voters and students will have a chance to pose questions at the candidates about the most prominent issues facing the Temple City Unified School District (TCUSD).
The forum will be divided into two blocks. The first half will be a general question session, while the second will be a period where residents can ask questions and express concerns.
Incumbents Matt Smith and Joe Walker are both seeking another four-year term. Walker, a crime analyst and former school board president, was first elected in 2005. Smith is a current board clerk and former school board vice-president.
Challenger Kenneth Knollenberg is the third candidate in the race. Knollenberg, a concerned citizen who attends board meetings regularly, has expressed desire to change the status quos. In a recent interview with the Temple City Voice, he stated the local School Board lacked “a clear vision for the school system.”
The goal of the forum, says JSA co-president Christine Keung is “to provide first-hand information on the people we’re voting for.” This connection is necessary, she states, as half-baked votes could lead to policy dissatisfaction.
“This is a perfect opportunity for students and residents to voice what they think are important,” adds Temple City Voice Editor-in-Chief Sophia Chang.
The 2009 School Board candidates’ forum will take place on October 24, 2009 at Temple City High School in Room 601 from 7 to 9 p.m.
This article was written by Taylor Evanko. It was published in the Temple City Voice on September 11, 2009.
The Temple City Voice 