San Clemente Times

Redefining California Voters expected to hit the polls in droves, set to decide on new candidates and controversial measures

By David Zimmerle

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here’s a lot to digest this election season, and like those past trips to the polls, the end result will most likely have major impacts on the local, state and federal levels. Overall, nine candidates are looking to fill three City Council seats in San Clemente with two incumbents—Joe Anderson and Lori Donchak—seeking to regain their elected position amidst an infusion of whirlwind candidates like Brenda Miller, Tim Brown and Patrick Crosby. Jim Evert has tossed his hat in the ring and provides a key alignment with Anderson and Donchak that may give the City Council its strongest representation in the eyes of the “Silent Majority.” Chris Hamm, Jay Gaskins and Georgia Key Smith are also testing the political waters in hopes of landing a seat on the council.

With the community seemingly divided on numerous issues regarding city policy and progression—most notably the Playa Del Norte project at North Beach and redefining fiscal conservatism in the face of challenging economic times—what voters decide on November 2 could impact San Clemente in ways its residents would never have thought possible.

Nine propositions are also slated for this year’s California ballot including the controversial Proposition 19, which would legalize and tax marijuana. Propositions 20 through 27 deal with everything from redrawing Congressional district lines by a committee, to several tax initiatives, items involved with state spending and the environment.

A 10th measure, an $11.1 billion water bond, had also been certified for the November ballot, but on August 9 of this year, state legislators voted to postpone the vote on it from 2010 to 2012.

Voters will also be deciding on a bevy of candidates for the offices of U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary Of State, State Controller, State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, State Senator, State Assembly, State Board Of Equalization and Superintendent Of Public Instruction.

At the polls, voters will decide on the future of our local school district, possibly tapping new trustees in Capistrano Unified School District, while also voting on Measure H, which will determine how trustees will be elected moving forward.

According to a recent Report of Registration from the California Secretary of State, as of September 3, 1.8 million people were eligible to vote in the November 2 election with 1.6 million people (84.75 percent) already registered to vote. Out of those numbers, 512,573 people (32.03 percent) were registered as Democrats with 693,077 people (43.31 percent) registered as Republicans. San Clemente has 40,946 registered voters.

All polls in California are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but it’s a general rule that a good time to get there are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

In the words of the great boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer, “Let’s get ready to rumble.” SC

Getting to Know Your City Council Candidates

By David Zimmerle San Clemente Times

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ast in a series: This election season, the SC Times has asked the nine City Council candidates their thoughts on local issues and their candidacy, in effect to give you information you can take to the polls. Below are the candidates’ newest responses and a brief bio on each candidate.

Hopefully, this particular forum has offered you a better chance to get to know the candidates and make and informed vote on November 2. Turn the page to see abbreviated candidate answers from previous weeks.

Illustrations by Pablo Bargueno.

Tell us something about yourself that has helped shape who you are today.

Joe Anderson Age: 68 Years lived in San Clemente: 27 I consider myself to be hardworking, selfsupporting and results driven. These traits began with the example set by my father, tempered and enhanced by my education and business experience. My father began his career as a seaman in the Merchant Marine.

Over time through hard work and dedication to duty, he earned his Masters License, which enabled him to be a ship’s captain or senior officer. Later in a career change he owned and operated his own business.

During the course of my life in business I worked for several extremely capable corporate managers that were positive role models for results driven leadership. These experiences when added to my own career of 10 years operating a small business and 30 years of corporate management and executive level assignments provided the foundational knowledge that has led to my holding positions of leadership with non-profits and local government here in San Clemente.

As I stated in a previous article, my education, experience and record of results give me the knowledge to understand what needs to be accomplished to assure San Clemente’s positive future. I would appreciate your vote.

Website: www.joeanderson4sanclemente.com Tim Brown Age: 38 Years lived in San Clemente: 8 I would not be who I am today without my family. My parents were deeply devoted and caring to my brothers and sisters and me and lived lives that were filled with faith, service and great meaning. If I have any virtues to speak of, it is because I followed their tremendous example and advice, and if I possess any flaws—it was due to my own stubbornness in not listening! It was from them that I learned that the most important service we can render to our community is to be good and loving parents. I have been lucky enough to marry my wonderful wife, Heather, have four beautiful girls and they are the source of my greatest joys. It is my faith and family that

has shaped me, and continually inspires me to be better than I am today.

Website: www.timbrownforcitycouncil.com Patrick Crosby Age: 62 Years lived in San Clemente: 18 I’ve always been fascinated with things and ideas, and how they shape our world. First, I studied engineering.

Then, I expanded my horizons into other realms of knowledge.

At the University of Chicago, I studied under Richard P. McKeon (1900-1985), and Paul Ricoeur (1913-2005). “Say something nobody has ever said before,” McKeon advised his students writing papers. His lectures were actual detailed explanations of how this is done. “Proceed boldly,” Ricoeur always told us, himself setting the example in his lectures.

What I learned from both was essentially this: Knowledge and humanity are rarely advanced by expounding answers to old questions. More often, it is by a process of raising new questions and formulating new problems. McKeon called this inquiry. This is what I’ve tried to do in this campaign. I’ve asked how San Clemente might fit in to a new, rapidly emerging, ever more interconnected world. I’ve made suggestions as to how we might go about finding that place.

Most importantly, I’ve suggested we look forward, not backward.

Website: www.sanclementemoose.com Lori Donchak Age: 54 Years lived in San Clemente: 10 My 20-year business career took me to Chicago and New York.

As a fourth-generation Californian, it was a challenge to move east for most of my adult life. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. That was certainly the case for me. Experience one Chicago winter, and you’ll know the feeling too.

In 1998, Andrew and I were finally able to realize our dream and return to California.

Specifically, to San Clemente, the Spanish Village by the Sea. This was a values-based life change for our family. We wanted our children to know the safety and community support of San Clemente. My parents moved here in the 1980s, and couldn’t say enough about the village character, the lure of the ocean, and the pride of being a San Clemente local.

I believe I’ve brought the best of my life experiences to San Clemente: Passion for excellence, focus and commitment for results, a keen listening ear for what our community needs. Moving to San Clemente was coming home.

Website: www.loridonchak.com Jim Evert Age: 68 Years lived in San Clemente: 13 I grew up in a small country town with a great deal of influence from my family in developing solid family

and personal values. For as long as I can remember (from a 6-year-old collecting nickels and dimes for Jerry Lewis telethons to becoming an Eagle Scout), I’ve always taken the initiative to serve.

These experiences shaped my value system.

Throughout that childhood (family, church and scouting) and now through over 30 years of serving the community through Rotary and our 4-way test (including No. 1—is it the truth) those values have stuck with me as a way of life. One of the reasons I’m running is because of these principals. Distortions and lies by the “say no crowd” and now their candidates go to the very core of how strongly I feel about getting elected to serve you in a truthful (non- political) and non-divisive way.

If you want integrity, leadership, experience, and common sense—then vote for Jim Evert for San Clemente City Council.

Website: www.jimevertforcitycouncil.com Facebook page: Jim Evert for San Clemente City Council Jay Gaskins Age: 49 Years lived in San Clemente: 10 Like most people, while young and under the parental shelters of life, I didn’t pay much attention to current events, economic developments, or national and world politics. There was no need to; after all, life was a party and if events and situations didn’t directly affect me, then I didn’t need the details. I held the same general values and beliefs as I do today; it just didn’t matter back then.

But when I got out on my own, made my own money, and started paying taxes, I started to pay attention to where my tax dollars were going, and why most of those dollars were being spent in the most ludicrous manner. I always wanted to pay my fair share but I wanted to have a say in where the tax money went.

This steered me to look at politics and the corruption that political greed creates. From the time I observed this depravity, I wanted to show the world that a person could hold a public position and honestly serve the people that he represented…with integrity.

Website: None Chris Hamm Age: 27 Years lived in San Clemente: 21 years The biggest thing that has shaped who I am today is what separates me from the rest of the candidates: I was born and raised in San Clemente. Our town is very unique, and we need to keep it that way. I have had tremendous experiences and opportunities while growing up here and we need to ensure future generations have those same opportunities. I have seen our small beach community almost double in

population. We have had many new families decide to call San Clemente their home.

Each and every one of us has chosen to live here because San Clemente is a great place live and work. This is our opportunity to make sure our city council represents us.

We need to elect a council that has our best interests in mind, and not that of large developers. I will make the right decisions for San Clemente. Remember this November 2 when you go to the poles, “Hamm’s Your Man.” Vote Chris Hamm for San Clemente city council.

Website: Look me up on Facebook.com Brenda Miller Age: 48 Years lived in San Clemente: 10 I can’t say that I would have acquired an education without the influence of two people in my life, one a former professor and another,

my mom.

The Professor was a man who suggested I complete my bachelor’s degree. “Pick something you love to learn,” he said. I double-majored and topped it off with a J.D. in Law. I gave him my diploma. He gave me direction.

Mom started it all. She made me diagram sentences. She made me read an entire encyclopedia set—out loud to her—one summer while she pulled weeds. I hated it.

I complained. But mom was the boss. I had to do it or there would be no climbing trees or riding bikes.

Mom’s academic regimen planted a seed whose DNA became inseparable from my own. I love to learn. I love to dig deep into details so I know how things work and how that relates to the big picture.

Mom gets credit for demanding I be diligent. I am. She won. No regrets.

Website: www.brendasanclemente.org Georgia Key Smith Age: 59 Years lived in San Clemente: 12 I have been shaped significantly by my upbringing. My parents did a wonderful job of instilling in me the attributes of integrity, honesty, family, and faith from my earliest days. I have loved these values throughout my life and have done my best to live them in all that I say and do.

As a wife, mother and manager, I believe it is especially important to live these core values, so that people can see that what I do is more important than what I say.

I also strive to be open and forthright at all times. What you see is what you get when you vote for me. My answers to the questions posed in our local papers clearly state my stand on the issues we face in our community. If my positions represent you, I would be honored to have your vote.

Please do vote. No matter your choice, this country was founded on the principle that we all matter and need to be heard.

Thank you.

Website: www.linkedin.com/in/georgiakeysmith

At a Glance: City Council Candidates on the Issues

Below are abbreviated versions of the nine candidates’ original answers to questions that the SC Times has asked and published since September.

Joe Anderson

Tim Brown

Patrick Crosby

Lori Donchak

Jim Evert

Jay Gaskins

Chris Hamm

Brenda Miller

Georgia Key Smith

What is the biggest issue facing San Clemente and how would you address it?

Why should San Clemente residents vote for you?

In my view, one of the major challenges facing our city is how to encourage quality improvements in a useful and effective way on North and South El Camino Real. In short, what can the City do to motivate the private sector to revitalize these areas to make them

more representative of the “Village Atmosphere” and sense of place we all appreciate. Since the City does not own or otherwise directly control the properties in question, there’s little we can directly do.

My experience and education combined make me highly qualified to help lead San Clemente over the next four years. My private sector experience includes 10 years operating a small business in San Clemente and 30 years at the managerial and executive levels

with two major U.S. Corporations. I have played an important role in the structure of our City as we know it today including our streets, circulation, parks, trails, public safety facilities and sound financial status including our AAA credit rating.

Courtyard and other controversial projects, the biggest issue facing San Clemente is how it will grow into the future and what this growth will look like. There is no question that change is inevitable, but sprawling urban development...is not. To address this issue, the

City Council should embrace San Clemente’s mission statement to “...ensure responsible growth that enhances our village character.” I would provide better guidance and clear expectations to the developers before they invest their time and resources.

The best thing about being a candidate for City Council is that I get to walk around our community and talk to residents about San Clemente. During these conversations, I have sensed a real frustration with how our City is run, the partisan politics and the obvious

disconnect between elected officials and voters. We should expect more from our City Council; more transparency, more financial discipline and ultimately, better judgment. As your City Councilman, I promise to be ethical, honest and represent you to the best of my abilities.

The fact that San Clemente is on a fast track to economic nowhere land.

Other cities figured out decades ago that in order remain viable, they needed to attract high paying high tech jobs.

San Clemente’s leadership still thinks the key to prosperity is restaurants,

fashion boutiques, outlet malls, and more homes. High tech R&D centers owned by companies such as Intel and Google need to be the new priority— prime land must stop being squandered on outlet malls and other retail. Old guard thinking must go.

I am the only candidate who has a clear vision for taking us out of the time warp we’ve been in for decades, and moving us to a brighter future, both economically and aesthetically.

The Miramar must be purchased by the city, restored, and made useful as a

performing arts or cultural center. Then, we must move on and turn local architects free to create, without autocrats and bureaucrats, untrained as architects, second guessing them at every turn.

Personally I find that very exciting.

The poor economy and the shadow it can cast on our quality of life in San Clemente is the No. 1 issue. During my first term, I chose to direct a significant amount of time toward financial issues and the importance of delivering a balanced budget for the

community. Next term I’ll continue to provide responsible financial leadership to preserve San Clemente’s quality of life, both for today and for future generations. I will actively protest Sacramento’s requests to fund state budget problems with our local dollars.

Proven Leadership. Thank you, San Clemente for your support and involvement in my first term. I believe I’ve made a positive difference in our quality of life: San Clemente’s AAA bond rating, traffic solutions around SCHS and VdM, Target, Courtney’s

Sandcastle, the Mayor’s Blog, a renewed clean ocean program...

As a teacher, I advise students to always finish what they start. I’m our representative to the County Library system: I wish to continue leading San Clemente’s library expansion to the finish line.

The impact of the economy.

Maintaining the quality of life in our city with adequate levels of service and community support is largely dependent on the ability to maintain adequate revenue without imposing more fees and taxes.

We want to have parks maintained, pot holes fixed, sand replenished, life guards on the city beaches, open space protected, all development vetted in the residents best interest. To do this we need to continue managing our expenses.

I’ve literally talked with thousands of our residents—in front of Ralphs, Albertsons, door-to-door, and at many Meet and Greets.

I understand your concerns: I will make sure we are good partners with our schools; I will focus on recreation

for our Youth and activities for our seniors. Clean beaches, maintaining open space as well as traffic and parking concerns will continue to be a priority.

I will work to insure that our children and grandchildren will be proud of our beautiful village by the sea.

I feel that the biggest issue facing San Clemente is the gradual deterioration of some of the neighborhoods in this great city. I never thought I would see the day when there were areas in this charming and historical beach town that were unsafe to walk in. The

gang and subsequent drug problem is much more severe than people want to think. A lot of this problem is the by-product of vacant and dilapidated businesses that draw this element.

A very large group of taxpaying residents asked me to be a part of the decision-making process in a way that would represent them with a voice of reason. Having heard the way I spoke with concern about the important issues in San Clemente, the people

realized that they weren’t getting fair representation in the council. Voting for me will be a message to all of the residents in this town that there is a way to responsibly develop, while maintaining or improving the quality of life here.

The biggest issue facing San Clemente is getting through these times without sacrificing our small town feel.

We need to ensure that all projects and changes brought to San Clemente emulate our core beliefs. The issue on everyone’s mind is the North Beach

project. Like most people in San Clemente, I have enjoyed the revitalization of our downtown area. Logically, the next area to revamp is North Beach. North Beach presents a lot of unique issues.

It’s a gateway to our city and has a lot of open area.

As a life long resident of San Clemente, I have seen many things happen to our “Spanish Village” that were not in our best interests. When I asked, “Why are we doing these things?” overwhelmingly, the response was, “That’s just the way it is.” This is our

town, our beach, and we need to stand up and do what’s best for us! I am running for city council to ensure that our community’s best interests are represented in the major decisions that will continue to shape our town.

The biggest issue facing San Clemente is our town’s financial health.

We’ll need to conserve resources...to provide things our residents want, like the new Sports Park, programs for active seniors, youth recreation, and Safe Routes to School. Council members

Anderson and Donchak’s decision to underwrite the LAB’s development at North Beach threatens our town’s future. They agreed to pay the LAB’s $4.5 million excavation costs without limitation. That’s like writing a blank check for a bottomless pit.

We need to return to our conservative roots. We need to stop wasting taxpayers’ money. The decision by incumbents Anderson and Donchak to sell North Beach and subsidize the LAB’s project there is the pinnacle of wasteful government spending.

Councilmembers Anderson and Donchak voted to pay for the LAB’s infrastructure for at least $4.5 million, pay for the parking it removes, discount the land and cap the LAB’s entitlement costs at $675,120. Make residents priority #1. A vote for me will do just that.

One need only to see the undeveloped land at Marblehead and the vacant stores on Del Mar to get a sense of the devastating impact the current economic situation is having on our town. There are a number of activities we could undertake to pro-

vide some relief. Primarily we should decide if we have the desire to act in a more welcoming way to developers so that we can be regarded as a city that is business-friendly.

I am running for City Council because I believe there are a vocal minority who have too much influence on city matters while the silent majority of citizens are busy living their lives. I hope to represent that silent majority who haven’t the time to get petitions

signed and write numerous letters to the editor. I care about our community and would like to help make decisions that are conducive to having a thriving business community while at the same time taking residents’ needs into account.

At a Glance (Continued)

Joe Anderson

Tim Brown

Patrick Crosby

Lori Donchak

Jim Evert

Jay Gaskins

Chris Hamm

Brenda Miller

Georgia Key Smith

How will you make the tough decisions you are sure to face if elected to the San Clemente City Council? Will you base your decisions on what you believe is best for the city, or will you govern based on what you think the majority of the residents want?

How would you go about fostering a better business community in San Clemente, and what kinds of incentives would you give businesses who might be looking to locate or relocate here to promote better economic development? Also, what would you do in support of existing businesses in town?

Decisions need to be made based on the merits of the issue. Among the considerations that should be evaluated are: Input from residents (typically at a public hearing); benefits to the community; any potential negative impacts; quality of life considerations

such as traffic, compatibility with surroundings, architecture, etc.

With difficult and tough decisions, community input tends to be divided and must be considered in conjunction with the above.

At the local, state and federal level we can help business by electing public officials that understand and are supportive of the American System of Free Enterprise. With my formal education and 40 years of business experience, I believe that I meet that criteria.

In San Clemente, we can help business by continuing ongoing initiatives. In addition, our first hiring decision (we are now in a hiring freeze for non-critical positions) should be to hire an Economic Development/Business Ombudsman Director.

Every question that comes before the City Council deserves thoughtful deliberation, a careful study of the facts and input from the residents. For every decision, I will always seek to answer yes to this key question, “Will this be good for San Clemente?”

The challenge of governing to the will of the majority is that it is very difficult to assess what the majority of citizens desire on a given issue. I support the more practical form of government we employ in representative democracy.

San Clemente should continue to streamline the planning, permitting and entitlement process to allow businesses to expand, grow and invest with a minimum of inconvenience. A more efficient process with increased focus on good “customer service” will be an important

step to a better business environment.

As a city, we should also look at every possible means of reducing business taxes for the purpose of spurring additional growth.

When you’ve lived and surfed here long as I have, and known as many mature adults since they were teens as I do, these two merge. Every member of this generation knows what the problems are: Too many arrogant cops, too few jobs, a city government that does

nothing to restore historic structures like the Miramar, but everything it can to make sure new buildings look old.

The new downtown Huntington Beach isn’t [architecture]. Preserve our own unique history, most definitely, but stop wallowing in mediocrity.

We are so far behind the 8-ball on this that even Laguna Woods, formerly known as Leisure World, may be ahead of us. Our main draw: One of the most beautiful cities and climates in the world. Our main antagonist, the State of California and its small busi-

ness hostile policies. We’d need to apply pressure there. Maybe we could team up with other cities doing that. To support existing businesses short term: Stop badgering them.

It is my strong belief that what the majority of residents want is the same as what’s best for San Clemente.

Keeping channels of communication open is vital. I initiated the Mayor’s Blog to put residents in better touch with the city. Currently, I have a blog

at www.loridonchak.com. I created Mayor’s Walks to provide access to information. I asked for the new General Plan because it would lead to public workshops, citizen questionnaires and other outreach. San Clemente is great because so many choose to be involved.

Steps I’d take to improve the San Clemente business landscape: 1. Live where you work. It’s good for the environment, reduces traffic, and fosters deep community roots. 2. Buy local. If all 68,000 of us pro-actively chose to buy local, San Clemente

will prosper. 3. Build Playa del Norte.

Merchants in North Beach are eager to bring energy to their district. 4. Better signs. Way-finding from the freeway to welcome and guide visitors is needed.

5. Hire an Economic Development Director.

I will base any decisions on what I believe is best for the community while taking into consideration the needs and wants of the majority of the residents, not just the most vocal.

In order to do this, I will continue my heavy involvement in city functions

and community events and will speak to the residents on a continual basis to keep my finger on the pulse of the overall desires of the residents of this fine city.

I believe we need an Economic Development Director and need to form a City-sponsored business liaison committee. We need a champion for business in San Clemente and to actively seek new business to fill the vacant office and retail space. Incentives should

be offered to new businesses for locating in targeted areas such as Del Mar, South El Camino Real and North Beach. The permitting process needs to be made easier for residents and businesses, and there should be methods in place to help existing businesses thrive.

The decisions that I make will be balanced between what is best for the city of San Clemente financially, while preserving its historical importance, and having the least amount of negative environmental impact. These three factors are important to our city and com-

munities because of the tourism revenues that are needed, the value of San Clemente’s heritage...to the residents and visitors, and the absolute necessity to develop, renovate, and expand with the utmost environmental responsibility to our delicate eco-systems.

In order to attract new businesses to San Clemente, tax incentives of the highest magnitude need to be offered.

Building requirements and restrictions need to be practical and based on common sense. We must be competitive when it comes to alluring business to

our community.

For existing businesses, we need to review the way the city handled the Ralphs shopping center proposal and do the exact opposite the next time a much needed improvement project goes to the council.

I will make decisions that are in the best interest of our community and its members. Being raised in this beautiful beach town, I know and love every aspect of it. I feel that each decision must be made in the interest of our unique needs. San Clemente is one of

the last great beach communities left in California, and we must ensure it stays that way. We must grow slowly, and as we do, maintain our small town charm and Spanish architecture.

The first thing our city needs to do to foster a better business community within San Clemente is to re-evaluate our planning and building departments. While speaking with residents, business owners and contractors within SC, I have heard nothing but

complaints about our permit process.

Recently, Citigate, an outside consulting agency, reviewed our planning and building processes where they outlined almost 40 recommendations, if we use these as a starting point we can get our city back on track.

The simplest way to make tough financial decisions is to stop obligating the City to pay for open-ended costs, like the LAB’s development in North Beach.

Doing otherwise is fiscally irresponsible. I will vigorously oppose any such attempt to misspend taxpayers’ dollars.

Decisions made by elected leaders must comply with our City’s General Plan and zoning code. Incumbents’ attempts to change our laws to favor big developers has caused dissension in our community. The incumbents have made government processes unfair.

We need to stop subsidizing new development—like the LAB at North Beach—that competes against San Clemente’s own businesses struggling to survive. That’s not right. We should be concentrating our efforts on creating an environment where San Clemente

residents and their families want to be.

We should be enhancing the pedestrian environment along El Camino Real and Del Mar. A more attractive business frontage, including parkway trees, would draw people to the area. That, in turn, would attract other businesses.

This question does not have an either/or answer. In fact, it is the very reason I am running for City Council.

In recent years, we have heard a great deal from the vocal minority and very little from the silent majority. And, after speaking with a number of our

citizens, I believe that much of San Clemente’s population could be called the “Silent Majority.” I have been a member of this group and, if elected, I hope to bring voice to the interests of the “Silent Majority.”

We need to foster a business-friendly environment to promote and support local businesses. We can accomplish this in a number of ways, beginning with openness and transparency when we solicit development in our community. We should also consider hiring an

Economic Development Director (EDD) who can help us craft a vision of our future, then guide us along that path. With regard to existing businesses in town, one of the first duties of the new EDD should be to learn about their needs and develop solutions.

CUSD Candidates Sell Themselves

By Jonathan Volzke San Clemente Times

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his week, we asked Capistrano Unified School board candidates the following question:

For our last question, why should voters cast their ballot for you?

Here are their answers, unedited, in the order in which they will appear on the ballot:

TRUSTEE AREA 5 JOHN ALPAY San Clemente Commissioner/Businessman, www.johnalpay.com As a father of three young children, I want them to have the best education possible. As a taxpayer, I want low taxes. And as a homeowner, I want quality schools to solidify my home valuation.

CUSD is in turmoil and we need to revive a once proud institution. If all stakeholders work cooperatively in good faith, CUSD will not only survive in this environment, but thrive. Please join me; we can do this together.

MIKE WINSTEN Attorney/Independent Businessman, www.cusdfacts.com Stop the Union Takeover of CUSD! Union leaders spent $250,000 to remove me from office.

This is the best endorsement of my independent, effective leadership during my two years on the school board, fighting for reform, favoring the individual rights of children, parents and taxpayers, against the “union leaders first” agenda favored by the largest special interests in our school district. Tell them No. Vote No Recall and No H. See my endorsements at www.

CUSDReform.com.

TRUSTEE AREA 6 GARY PRITCHARD Community College Professor, www.pritchardforcusd.com I am a father of a CUSD student and firmly believe in the value of strong public schools.

Recognizing that our schools are in crisis, I have the commitment, experience and skill set necessary to be part of the solution.

As your next Trustee, I will bring expertise in budgeting, teaching, counseling, and integrating our schools with local colleges.

I have made my home in South Orange County and understand the values of the community.

GARY V. MILLER Retired Teacher Declined to submit an answer.

PAUL HEBBARD Certified Public Accountant, www.paulhebbard.com If you look at all of the candidates’ websites, I am the only one who has specific ideas to promote the progress of CUSD. They are: Working concessions for teachers, completing the construction of the athletic facilities at SJHHS, and begin soliciting private donations for the theatre at DHHS. Other candidates give general ideas, like becoming fiscally prudent and terminating unnecessary vendors.

No incumbent nor challenger will approve any wasteful expenditures, and everybody wants to heal the district.

KEN LOPEZ MADDOX Businessman/Tax Consultant www.cusdfacts.com The union wants you to vote to recall me.

They are upset over the district not having enough money to pay them more. Bottom line…the state is out of money. I chose to put the fiscal health of the district before their salaries. I put the students before their paychecks. I’ve been on the board for two years. No deficit spending and the highest API scores in the history of the district during that time.

TRUSTEE AREA 6 ANNA BRYSON Capistrano Unified School District Governing Member, www.annabryson.us Re-elect Bryson to stop the union power grab. State’s highest-performing large

district for past two years. Budget balanced; oldest portables removed; schools repaired; open bidding on all projects; no-nepotism policy; highly-regarded new superintendent. In future, I will concentrate on: living within our means; closing achievement gap for Latinos and the learning disabled; guarding against neglecting students in the middle of the pack; keeping class-sizes small; honoring high-performing students, teachers, principals.

SAAM ALIKHANI University Student, www.alikhaniforcusd. com While serving on the CUSD Board, I advocated for fiscally conservative budget practices. I have consistently sought to cut costs outside the classroom in these economically challenging times by reducing unnecessary litigation related expenses. And above all else, taxpayers and students have been my top priority.

TRUSTEE AREA 6 MARTHA MCNICHOLAS Engineering Entrepreneur, www. mcnicholasforcusd. com I am a knowledgeable, involved parent and dedicated volunteer within CUSD schools and bring with me over fifteen years of experience in advocacy for quality public education.

In addition, I am an engineer with realworld work experience and a logical approach to problem solving. As a Trustee I will make sure that decision making is transparent to all stake-holders and is focused on the best interests of our chil-

dren and their educational achievement.

ELLEN ADDONIZIO Certified Public Accountant, www.cusdfacts.com Declined to submit an answer.

TRUSTEE AREA 7 LARRY CHRISTENSEN Capistrano Unified School District, Governing Board Member, www.cusdfacts.com Simply, I am not a politician. I only took this office because I saw improprieties that needed correction in our school district that were detrimental to the students. I do not kowtow to unions; that is why they have put up candidates to run against the existing board. I vote to keep our teachers from being fired and to keep our class sizes small. My work to fix CUSD is not yet done.

LYNN HATTON Small Business Owner, www.hattonforcusd.com People should vote for me because: 1. With two kids attending our schools, I have a vested interest in our district.

2. I am a small business owner who understands the import of strong leadership and budgets.

3. I currently work with schools, businesses and universities to ensure students are prepared for college and career.

4. I am endorsed by highly regarded educational leaders.

5. I will always put first the education of our students.

CUSD Voters to Consider Measure H Although Capistrano Unified School District trustees are elected to represent certain geographic areas, voters from throughout the seven cities and unincorporated areas that make up the sprawling school district.

That sometimes makes for unique results: In recent years, one trustee candidate was rejected by the geographic area he represented, but ushered into office by voters elsewhere. Likewise, a recent candidate won in San Juan Capistrano—the area she would have represented—but lost elsewhere and did

not gain office.

Whether to allow only voters in each of the seven geographic areas to only cast a vote for the single trustee that would represent them has been discussed—and debated—for years, but voters on November 2 will decide whether to make the change.

Proponents argue the change is necessary because of the 195-square-mile district is too large to allow candidates to run cost-effective campaigns. The high cost, proponents of Measure H say, all but requires candidates to join forces

in slates and turn to special-interests for money to finance the effort.

Opponents, meanwhile, argue that voters would be giving up six of their votes, and that students could end up attending school in an area served by one trustee, while living in an area served by another.

Further, they argue, the elect-by-area system could create selfish trustees, more concerned with events in their own area than what is best for the district at large.

See www.ballotpedia.com and search for “Capistrano Measure H” for more details. —Jonathan Volzke