I have a few guidelines for comments on this blog.

1. If you see anything that crosses the line from politics, to a personal attack and you want it removed just e-mail me (briandennert@yahoo.com)

2. You don't need to use your real name, but I trust a person that uses thier real name more. So should you.

3. In the box that says URL, feel free to leave a link back to a candidate or cause you favor.

4. Keept it clean. Don't use foul language. Try to attack ideas, not personalities. Bring the best and you will bring out the best in others.

5. In addition, I abide by other guidelines put forth by The Star. I want this blog to have high standards and I would hope as your part as a citizen you will help move the debate forward.

Is ML a proud Democrat?

What has Peterson done to deserve another term making money off of the taxpayers?

Does she agree with the recent vote to extend Rio Vista Charter Schools in Ventura County? Did she vote for or against it?

Hello Republican.

In answering your question re: my pride as a Democrat, I ask that we agree that all political parties embody/emphasize differing facets of the American character and values. I believe that policy makers create better and more sustainable solutions if they respect and work THROUGH these dynamic and essential political relationships.

Having said that:

I am a proud Liberal Democrat because

1. at its best, the Democratic Party works for and appeals to our essential American generosity and forgiving nature;
2. the Democratic Party implemented the Marshall Plan: during a time of great pain and need for reconciliation, Americans were generous and forgiving towards the Germans, Italians, and the Japanese while not compromising justice (e.g. the Nuremberg Trials);
3. the Democratic Party gave America the New Deal, and in doing so, it gave back to Americans dignity in work; in creating Social Security, it provided some and a meaningful measure of security for retired workers and widows and sustains the social contract between generations: for me, making Social Security work and preventing its dissolution is the best expression of one generation’s gratitude towards and responsibility to the other, each to each other;
4. Labor Unions matter, still, because they are the means through which we make good our value that there is dignity in work.

When and if that is lost, I believe we will have lost the core of who we are.

While Labor Unions have flaws, like any human activity, I believe they are our best attempts and progress to MAKE SUBSTANTIAL our values of “liberty and justice for all” through equal opportunity and economic justice.

5. I can aspire to have the passion of Robert F. Kennedy, the compassion of Paul Wellstone, and the intelligence and grace of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Another voter has asked about what I have actually done as a VCBOE Trustee. In answering that, I hope readers will see that my actions, accomplishments, and sometimes unsuccessful attempts, are in step with my Democratic values.

Thanks for asking and offering this space for a response.

Mary Louise (ML) Peterson
Trustee, Area 1
Ventura County Board of Education

Thanks for being part of the discussion! It takes a strong leader to engage head on and not avoid issues.

Re: Real Vista Charter:

It was approved on a 4-1 vote. I was in the minority in this particular vote. After a vote is taken, it is my practice not to undermine -- or work against -- a decision that is already made.
SAGE (located in West Ventura on the De Anza Middle School campus) was approved on a 4 - 0 vote
(Chris Valenzano was on military leave).

Is :) interested in discussing charters in general or is it only the Real Vista model?

Mary Louise Peterson
Trustee, Area 1
Ventura County Board of Education

ML, is endorsing Dean Kunicki who did vote to approve the Charter schools. This give the board a solid approval for charter schools.

I have more faith is the integrity and qualifications of his opponent.

ML, be true to yourself!

Not ML:

First, I have NOT ENDORSED Dean Kunicki. If that is what is being
whispered, it is not true.

I can, and if asked, share with voters on what issues we have worked well, where we have found common ground, and where we disagree.

I view it UNPROFESSIONAL and UNETHICAL to have one sitting Board Member to work against another sitting Board Member. I have seen that happen on other Boards and that leads to a toxic kind of distrust that serves voters poorly.

Dean Kunicki’s opponent, another Republican, has received many very impressive endorsements. I respect a number of her positions.

It is up to Simi and Moorpark voters who they want to represent them on VCBOE.

Finally, regarding VCBOE and Charters: please note, regardless of who wins in Area 1 or Area 4, there will remain at least a 3 vote majority on this issue. I welcome a thoughtful discussion regarding charters, magnet schools, and other challenges to neighborhood schools. I supported the SAGE charter because it was a teacher-parent driven process. If you contact the SAGE leadership, I think you will be pleased to learn that they share your values.

Mary Louise Peterson
Trustee, Area 1
Ventura County Board of Education

Clarification: I have not and will not endorse Dean Kunicki. I also WILL NOT engage in any kind of bashing and/or mindless gushing campaign.

Mary Louise Peterson
Trustee, Area 1
Ventura County Board of Education

ML Peterson:

Do you support or oppose the parental notification proposition?

I'd also like your thoughts on prop 1D, the education bond?

Hello Samson.

I oppose the parental notification proposition. I am doing research on a couple of laws I would like to use to explain why I oppose it.

I am also doing some research on prop 1D. I think the way that public finance is structured forces us to make flawed decisions about how we finance infrastructure among a host of many unmet needs.

I will get back to your questions with more details in a couple of days.

Thanks for asking. I am enjoying the dialogue
we have begun on many of Brian's postings.

Mary Louise Peterson
Trustee, Area 1
Ventura County Board of Education

I proud to announce that I have been endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers and the Tri-Counties Central Labor Council.

Mary Louise Peterson
Trustee, Area 1
Ventura County Board of Education

I AM proud to announce . . .

I was so pleased and enthusiastic to post the labor
endorsements, I forgot to proofread!

Mary Louise Peterson
Trustee, Area 1
Ventura County Board of Education

Re: Parental Notification

As a parent of an 18 year old and a 13 year old, I understand media and cultural influences that test the healthy, nurturing, and safe family environment my husband and I work to provide our children.

When our chldren make poor decisions that may result in harm to themselves and/or others, we want to and have a responsibility to help and help our childrenn to learn from difficult circumstances.

I believe the parental notification initiative appeals to the real frustrations and stresses parents feel when raising their children in difficult environments.

However, the initiative, while sounding reassuring, does not and cannot build better relationships between parents and children.

In fact, I believe the parental notification initiative will lead to very harmful unintended consequences.

Instead of helping parents get vital information about their children's choices, it will drive them from going to any responsible adult who might help children to develop enough of a sense of safety to approach their parents so they might actually share with them the information parents want to know and understand so, in turn, parents may help their children.

The parental notification initiative would be akin to criminalizing the wise "Safe Haven" laws that have been passed in many states.

The "Safe Haven" laws allow stressed and vulnerable parents to leave their newborn at a hospital, fire station, police station, or other approved agencies with no questions asked.

Sometimes, a child needs to be able to go to a responsible adult with no questions asked and with the knowledge that going to a responsible adult will not result in "punishment." When young adults are in difficult, "shameful" situations, to feel that going to anyone will lead to exposure to parental notification -- read by vulnerable children as parental disapproval and possible condemnation -- I believe -- and am afraid -- that that may lead to more desperate actions. Ultimately more harmful to the child, which I believe most loving parents do not want.

While the law requires doctors to notify parents after an abortion, the law itself will have a chilling effect on children going to responsible adults.

I believe that the challenges we face in raising our children cannot be remedied by these kinds of laws.