Big D Democrat

Big news on the Democratic front, for those of you that aren’t registered Democrats you may choose to skip this, or read on if you want to get the down and dirty on some questionable Democratic endorsement business.   I recently learned that the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee — I’m not a part of this group, I can barely remember to keep up to date with the local Alameda Democratic Club — placed Trish Spencer on the consent agenda for endorsement.

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This is big news because being placed on consent essentially means that she would secure a pretty important endorsement if no one got around to pulling her name off the consent agenda for discussion.  Generally the consent names are for folks that meet the agenda and the platform of the Democratic Party.   I’m guessing Barack Obama is on the consent and folks like that, but Trish Spencer?!?   I mean, I think my blood may have run a little cold when I found that out that she was being considered without much widespread consideration.

School Board candidate profile: Patricia “Trish” Spencer

Patricia aka Trish Spencer is running, once again, for School Board. Last time around I think she ran under just Trish Spencer, or maybe Trish Herrera Spencer, but it looks like this time around she might go formal, which would be a big mistake since everyone recognizes her as Trish Spencer.

Here is her candidate statement this year:

Occupation: Parent, Attorney, Community Volunteer and Children’s Advocate, currently serving a Alameda Unified School District Board Member

My education and qualifications are: B.A. U.C. Berkeley (Sociology); J.D., Western State University. Attorney. California School Board Association’s Masters in Governance. Co-Chair Alameda Collaborative for Children,Youth and Families, serving 35+ organizations. Former PTA Council President, overseeing all AUSD PTAs, and Substitute Teacher at virtually every AUSD school. My focus is creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. This requires smaller classes, rich curriculum, diverse electives, and advanced placement, career-technical and vocational courses. I support the education of anti-bullying for all (differently-abled/special needs, ethnicities, gender, LGBTQ, race, religion) to ensure a safe learning environment. Fiscal responsibility is paramount to ensure each dollar is wisely spent benefitting students first. Therefore, I voted against a significant raise for the Superintendent, leasing of new administrative offices, and contracting unneeded consultants. I have the experience to manage during tough economic times and, unlike the other Board members, I support public disclosure of AUSD expenditures. I am a dedicated, compassionate, detail-oriented leader. Together, we can tackle the quality-of-education, equity, and fiscal challenges, while representing diverse interests. I would be honored by your vote. http://www.votetrish.com

Almost final School Board questionnaire

Big news on the School Board election front, Alameda Education Associates (AEA) aka the Teacher’s Union, has made their endorsements for School Board already.  Alameda Patch has the details on this one:

A panel of AEA members interviewed all nine school board candidates recently, and all candidates participated by answering written as well as oral questions, according to the AEA. The teachers’ union chose three people to endorse for the following reasons, the release said:

“Trish Spencer, incumbent, is a parent, attorney and proven advocate for students and education in Alameda. Trish always puts the interests of the students first.

“Barbara Kahn, parent and grandmother, has been active in Alameda schools for over 50 years, and believes a voice must be raised in support of our children. Barbara wants the focus to be on what is truly important in a school district — students, teaching and learning.

“Jon Murphy teaches nursing at Merritt College, serves as co-chair of the California Community College Budget Committee, and just completed his doctorate in educational leadership. Jon is excited about students achieving their highest potential in a district where parents, teachers and staff can work collaboratively.”

I’ve updated the Election 2012 roundup to reflect these new endorsements.

And the news about Beverly Johnson dropping out is official, from Peter Hegarty of the Alameda Journal.  And she is now endorsing Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft.

Now on to the questions!

I cleaned them up a bit, feel free to add more suggestions, I’ll send these off on the first of September: