The Buzz

Union-backed candidates running for the Capo school board held their “HUGE kickoff event” on Sept. 10. The rally began at 4 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center. Of course, attendees included opposition members wanting to check out the competition. Including the vehicles of employees and others who were at the center for reasons unrelated to the rally, only 100 vehicles were in the parking lot. As another indication of how much genuine support the union has from the community, campaign materials were sold instead of distributed for free by the union-backed candidates. The big bucks contributions from state unions have apparently not yet arrived.

***

The battle cry of the union is to “take CUSD back” by electing union sympathizers on Nov. 2. Voters should ask: take it back to what? The reform-minded trustees removed ex-superintendent James Fleming and his seven hand-picked school board members. The old regime had collected money from donor communities like Mission Viejo and then lied about the funding of Fleming’s masterpiece, the $50-million Taj Mahal administration center in San Juan Capistrano.

***

On Sept. 7, the city council unanimously supported a resolution against Measure H, the proposed method to change the way in which CUSD trustees are elected. If approved by voters on Nov. 2, the Measure would allow constituents to select only the trustee in their geographic area. Preserving the status quo allows voters to select all seven trustees. For additional information, read Larry Gilbert’s Orange Juice Blog post at http://www.orangejuiceblog.com/2010/09/mission-viejo-council-resolution-opposing-cusd-meas-h-passes-5-0 A reader responded to the council’s 5-0 decision, “It’s about time. This may well be the one and only sane decision this council has made. Sorry I missed seeing the historic moment.”

***

ACT for America chapter leader Bruce Mayall sent a reminder about this month’s meeting. The organization will hold a general meeting on Mon., Sept. 13, in Mission Viejo. Mayall invites members to bring a friend. The group meets in the Norm Murray Community Center, Sycamore B Room, 24932 Veterans Way, in Mission Viejo. The meeting room opens at 7:00 p.m., and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30, ending at 9:30. Guest speaker will be Deborah Pauley. A $5 donation will be appreciated to cover costs.