If you don't know much about the Ventura County Office of Eduction I understand. It isn't often in the news and the board members aren't the most important local elected officials involved in the operations of our schools. Because of this the campaigns for seats on this board often have low visibility.
When I first started blogging the board was debating issues not central to their mission including evolution. They were involved in a scandal involving hiring lobbyists to lobby local elected officials for earmarks. A few of the Members were also on the Ventura County Republican Central Committee. Tony Strickland was lobbying Board Members that were also Ventura County Republican Central Committee Members for a for profit group that he as involved in to run a Charter School.
Mark Lisagor ran to stop these shenanigans. We shouldn't have to pay lobbyists to lobby our own elected officials for earmarks. The VCOE shouldn't be wasting time on issues like evolution. Political activists without a strong education background aren't the best candidates.
Mark Lisagor is not a political activist. He is an accomplished dentist. Since he had been on the VCOE many issues have been improved. I am glad he is running for re-election. I will ask to interview him this summer.
Check out his website for more information.
Click on continue reading to read his recent email to supporters.
Here is the email from Mark Lisagor:
Dear Friends, It's hard to believe that four years have passed since you supported me in my campaign for election to the Ventura County Board of Education. It goes without saying that these have been challenging years for public education in California. During these very difficult times I've gained an enhanced understanding of this realm, and an even greater appreciation for the work that those in the trenches continue to do for the 140,000 students in the county. I have been privileged to serve this purpose on your behalf and believe that together we have helped advance the cause of public education. My efforts have always focused on being an advocate for public education and putting what's best for children ahead of all other considerations. Since December 2008, I have served as a delegate to the California School Board Association, a member of the board of directors of the California County Boards of Education and a member of the board of the Ventura County School Boards Association. When I ran in 2008, I stressed advocacy should be a primary responsibility of school board members and I have been a champion for schools and children on these boards and others. Now that the primary is behind us, I'm writing to tell you that I will be running for election to a second term in November and to once again ask for your support. There have been rumors that those upset at the change in the direction on the VC Board of Education will be targeting me in the Fall. For this reason, I am asking for your help in two ways: 1) Please consider a contribution, which will help to create a "war chest" in time for my next campaign finance filing on July 1. At this point, I am requesting contributions of $250 or less (but may come to you again should the need occur to run a full campaign ). This will send a message to anyone thinking about running against me that I am committed to doing what it takes to be able to serve for four more years. It will also help me to eliminate the campaign deficit, which still exists from my first election, should a full campaign not be necessary. 2) As in the past, your public endorsement will also be most valuable and much appreciated. I'm contacting you via email to be as frugal as possible; simply clicking here or on the link below will take you to the campaign website, where you'll find all you'll need to send a donation (either through the internet or by mail) and to allow me to use your name as a supporter. Thanks so much for your continued support! In friendship, Mark Lisagor Trustee, Ventura County Board of Education Area 3 (covering Camarillo, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Somis, Piru & parts of Oxnard)
