Editor's note: This is just one video in a series from candidates for school board. If you want a video, let me know by e-mail)
A reader Scott once told me the best question to ask any candidate. It seems rather obvious but it goes " Why are you running?" Some candidates don't have an answer. Some do. It tells worlds about a candidate if they have a well thought out answer.
Here is a short clip from Thurlow Partridge ( candidate for Simi Valley School Board) explaining some of the reasons he is running.
I am not here to tell you who to vote for. I will post information on any candidate that contacts me and would like to have their information listed. I figure candidates that respect democracy will take advantage of many ways to inform voters. Candidates that don't really respect our system will try to hide behind meaningless cliches and well worn phrases on countless junk mailers.
With ten candidates in this race it will be tough for them to seperate themselves from the crowd. I will provide a forum so voters can discuss the issues and ask the questions most important to them. Consider me the moderator and this website to be the debate. May the best candidates win.
After you watch the video join the discussion. Ask Thurlow a question or leave your response to others questions. You can be critical, but not personal. If you ever see a nasty comment you want deleted, e-mail me and I will take it down.
If you want to learn more about Thurlow Partidge e-mail him at fundtime@aol.com
I was at Donna Prenta's event when I took this video.
Donna thanks for the free invite.
I saw that Tim Camarillo already thanked you, but you are a one woman community forum and this community should thank you.
At the party today was Ferial Masry, Thurlow Partridge, Jeanne Davis, Tim Camarillo, Jill Martinez, and Randy Sundeen amongst others. It was a pretty cool event. The snacks were tasty too.
Right before election day I will see which video had the most plays ( if you search on youtube you can see the stats) and announce which candidate had the most people click to watch their videos.
If you don't have time to meet me, you can film your won videos and e-mail them to me. Keep it under 5 minutes.
Mr. Partidge, what current board member do you agree with the most on many issues?
What does he think about the district's magnet school programs?
What do you think of vouchers and school choice for students?
Partridge already has 15 views and the video has only been up since this morning!
OK, I get the hint Nielson, call me i will let you do a video!
Donna
OK, I get the hint Nielson, call me i will let you do a video!
Donna
Is Partridge running to make changes or keep things the same?
I watched the video and Mr. Partridge, an ex-teacher has s solution for improving Simi Valley's schools - RAISE TEACHER PAY...
Simi teacher pay is some of the highest in the state...
I'm sure the union endorsement is next.
I know that " Check Cashing Service" is way off, but does anyone have the facts?
What does it matter if Partridge refuses to answer questions!
Thank you for answering questions Mr. Camarillo!
The video now has 33 views.
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.
As a retired teacher would there be any votes he would need to abstain from?
Once a teacher retires they no longer have to abstain from any vote. I don't know Thurlow but I like what I saw on his video, even if I can't vote in Simi anymore.
I would agree most with Rob Collins.
The Magnet schools give the students more choices.
Parents have a choice in which school to send their child in Simi.
Many things in the Simi District are just fine. However I would like to see more useful technology.
Teacher's salaries are very important. Several good teacher have left the district because they feel they will never be able to buy a home.
Hi Thurlow, I thought I would share this with you about the Cal-HFA Extra Credit Teacher Home Purchase Program that includes California State Credentialed Early Childhood Teachers and various Classified Staff. It lists who is eligible for these loans.
Their website is http://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homeownership/programs/ectp.htm. It is a shame that several good teachers have left the district because they felt they would never be able to afford a home.
Here is another item of interest about the Santa Barbara's School Boards interest in developing housing for it's teachers because of the high cost of living in the area and the need to retain qualified teachers. The website is http://www.independent.com/news/2006/08/school_board_developments.html.
Another item of interest is I remember hearing but I haven't found the infomation on is when Simi Valley was first developing as a city. The realtors and the Banks in the area offered 0% Home Loans to Police Officers in the Los Angeles Area to move in Simi Valley making it one of the safest cities in America. I am trying to remember if I heard this at The Los Angeles Community Police Academy or the Simi Valley Citizens Academy. Wow talk about an investment in public safety.
Why couldn't we form a partnership with the banks and realtors to help those Teachers and Classified Staff who work in our school district to have home ownership in Simi Valley. That would certainly be an investment in our Community and in Education.
Mr. Partridge in his video states that he is in favor of raising teacher's salaries. Funny, but I have heard him over the years in person as stating that teachers were in his words over-compensated. Who is Thurlow Partridge?