March 9th is the deadline to file for a seat on the San Diego Unified School Board in the June 5, 2012 primary. A Democrat (John Evans) presently holds the Republican-leaning District A post. But Republican Mitz Lee won here in 2004, and beat Evans 60% to 40% in the 2008 primary… so it is winnable. If YOU, or someone you know lives here and supports real education reform, here is your chance. As of the 2010 election rules, only 200 voter signatures and $200 gets you on the ballot. Who wants to be a school board member? And no, you don’t have to be a millionaire to win.
….. HOW A DEMOCRAT WON A REPUBLICAN SEAT IN 2008
“OK,” you are asking, “If Mitz Lee (R) won the 2008 Dist. A primary with 60% of the vote, then why is John Evans (D) now the incumbent ?” Answer: in significant part because teacher union campaign committees spent a reported $300,000 , helping hand John Evans to a 54% win in the citywide November runoff.
The Union-Tribune of October 30, 2008 reported, “The San Diego Education Association — with help from the California Teachers Association — has invested more than $300,000 in a campaign that includes television commercials, radio spots, mailers and e-mail letters. The campaign attacks Mitz Lee for some budget cuts she voted for. It also blames Lee for personnel reductions over the past three years.”
But with the district in financial straits in 2012, it will be harder for labor unions to “influence” more election victories in 2012…in fact it will be a really tough sale with the City Pension Reform issue now dominating local political debate. Here is how District A voters responded in that June 2008 primary election contest … Mitz Lee (R) , 18,391 votes … John Evans (D), 12,082 votes.
….. REVIEWING THE DISTRICT A SITUATION BOARD
Incumbent John Evans (D) can be vulnerable to a 2012 election challenge in District A Just look at those fine neighborhoods … Mira Mesa, North Clairemont, Bay Park, University City, East Clairemont. That should be a Republican enclave. Candidates run within District A in the June primary. The top two finishers then progress to the citywide runoff in November.
….. IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDED QUESTIONS
If prospective candidates or supporters have questions, please post them here, or write to me directly at this e-mail address for a personal response: YourElectionVictory@hotmail.com
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DISCLOSURE: Jim Sills has no existing professional campaign connection to candidates mentioned in this article.