CUSD Update

On Oct. 8, the union-backed group “Children First” had a full-page ad in the Saddleback Valley News. The largest headline read “Yes on Measure H,” – the ballot measure that would reduce voters’ power to elect trustees. Currently, voters get to choose all seven school board members. Measure H would allow voters to choose only one trustee residing in their area of the district.

The ad states “Realtors and Homeowners are voting Yes on Measure H, Yes on the CUSD recall and voting to remove the current CUSD Board of Trustees.” If voters understand – this is a union takeover attempt – why would anyone want the union to control the school board?

Since July, the teachers union (Capistrano Unified Education Association) has spent more than $100,000 to remove the reform-minded trustees. All of the current board members were elected by wide margins, replacing the corrupt regime of ex-superintendent James Fleming.

On Oct. 8, Mission Viejo voters who reside in the Capo district received a recorded phone call from Scott Baugh, Chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County. In his message, he said, “Don’t be deceived by the union’s dirty tricks.” The tricks include the union’s ads and flyers implying that the Republican Party is pushing union-backed candidates.

Baugh’s message indicated the Republican Party opposes the union, their candidates, their recall attempt and their ballot measure. The Republican Party of Orange County has endorsed incumbent trustees Ellen Addonizio, Anna Bryson and Larry Christensen. The Republican Party also endorsed “No on the Recall” of Trustees Mike Winsten and Ken Lopez Maddox and “No on Measure H.