Cathy Carlson from TO here: Mrs. Vick, it is absolutely hysterical to read your letter! You say there are no union bosses, yet today and also in the Acorn recently, you explain that your husband had been the Union Executive co-Director for years, and then you name the new union boss, Arleigh Kidd!

And I really can't believe that you are so out of touch with local politics that you don't know the Ducketts! Suzanne has been televised as a citizens' advocate for years, both at City Hall and every month at CVUSD school board meetings and also at several school site councils. She is a former pharmaceutical representative, and she KNOWS healthcare issues. And you surely know that Mr Merle Duckett is a retired LAUSD teacher and has always been an advocate for his union in getting better benefits. He is in frequent contact with the union bosses in the Conejo. He has also stood up to speak, been televised, and has had numerous letters to the editor published. The Ducketts are the well- respected experts in this--not you.

Also, last month I addressed the CVUSD on the subject of the health dangers of allowing children from illegal immigrant families the use of our schools. Some programs REQUIRE parent participation from members of Parents Anonymous, a group for people who abuse their own kids. (This is according to the website for Neighborhood for Learning in Ventura County.) Do the other parents know that abusers are in the classroom? I doubt it, since it is named "Anonymous".

I was told that at least the preschoolers were required to have immunizations. (But who enforces this?) However, the parents and grandparents and extended family that come and volunteer or visit the Neighborhood for Learning Centers are NOT required to show proof of a TB test or immunizations. The chilling fact is that TB is on the rise in southern California. 6 teachers this year in Huntington Beach have tested postive. It is a tragedy, since your lungs cannot be repaired. How many teachers right now in the Conejo are infected and don't know it? Are they coughing on students and spreading more TB?

I suggested that the local teachers' union give twice yearly TB screenings here in the Conejo. There was some discussion and it was learned that the CVUSD only tests once every 4 years!!! Mike Dunn joined in and supported my concern saying that the biggest health threat to the fire fighters in LA is tuberculosis. His union provides yearly testing at a minimum and will pay for more frequent screenings as requested. I made a statement that the teachers here need to demand better healthcare and TB screenings every 6 months. I looked down to see the reaaction of the union VP present, Jerry Morris. He made no eye contact, leaned forward, elbows on knees, and looked at the ground, and took no notes. The discussion continued from the podium. Jerry Morris took no notes to bring back to the teachers. THAT is an example of poor leadership for the teachers by their union bosses.

The local union would rather spend their money and energy trying to discredit Mike Dunn because they can't make him dance the teachers' union dance. They are bluffing with a weak complaint that they know won't become a case. They weren't even allowed by PERB to file against Mike Dunn. The union was told it had to file against the whole district. THAT'S why the stupid "divorce" papers were filed last week.

Dunn has been an advocate for the parents and taxpayers, as well as the teachers, in every fiscal decision of the board. He was the sole trustee who advocated for a better raise for them. His constant pressure to use the budget wisely has curbed the wild spending of the district, and has ultimately (although invisibly) benefitted all our students, as well as the teachers through their raise.

I'll say again, I'm supporting the guy who puts loyalty to his family first, rather than to a union. And I support the candidate who understands the meaning of the 10th Commandment--"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife..."

Wake up, Conejo Valley, and pay attention to the School Board Politics. The election is around the corner and you won't be able to keep the players straight. There will be 3 openings at CVUSD. The terms for Tim Stephens, Pat Phelps, and Mike Dunn will be up. It is assumed that all 3 will run again. Also, Peggy Buckles has announced. Google her name and read her letters and see whether you support her or not. I don't since she is pro-Union and pro-PTA (a lobbying organization for the teachers' union). I will support Mike and 2 more fiscal independents who are not tied to the union or the PTA. Any takers?

I will support candidates who are against Sen Sheila Kuhl's bill. I will also support ethical candidates who publicly state and can prove that they are opposed to misrepresenting awards, exagerating academic acheivements, lying, cheating, adultery, and lechery.

ps (For those who don't know, 75% of American schools have dumped their PTAs because of their politics. Nice people here DO belong to the PTA because they don't know they have a choice. Switch to non-political PFAs or PTOs. Let me know if the administration gives you a hard time. The Conejo has the largest, richest, strongest PTA in California. They lobby apparently only for pro-Democratic sponsored bills. Check out their state website. If you don't agree, then why are you a member? Walk out, don't let the classroom teacher pressure your kid in September. It is illegal for them to have these thermometers and prizes for membership that constitute harrassment. Please report such harrassment to the new Supt. Mario Contini.)

Cathy C here again: I thought it would be good to post the Sunday opinion column by CVUSD Trustee Mike Dunn, so it would be easier to find again. Here is his rebuttal to the untruths about him.

Any radicals who would like the truth should read this and print a copy. I doubt they will, as they are more interested in books like Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" written in the 1940's. Hilary Clinton wrote her master's thesis on this. THATS why the radical DEMS in town are so good at twisting the truth about our school board. They have a guide book!

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Sunday July 1, 2006
(by Mike Dunn)

There has been some propaganda written about me and it is about time the truth be told. At the core of the controversy is a power struggle over who controls the Conejo Valley Unified School District — the parents and taxpayers versus the United Association of Conejo Teachers' union bosses. Representative democracy versus a special-interest dictatorship. I am the only board member not taking thousands and thousands of campaign contribution dollars from UACT and, because they do not control me, UACT must destroy me. (Source, 42 pages, forms 470, Ventura County Elections Division.)

Remember the allegations by UACT and their minions that I violated the Brown Act and the labor code? Well, here is what has happened to me: nothing. No charges or complaints have been filed or issued against me by any of the regulatory or enforcement agencies.

Ventura County Star
I did not violate the Brown Act. The district attorney has not contacted me. The Public Employment Relations Board, which pursues labor-code violations, has not issued a complaint against me.

I have been falsely slandered, libeled and my character has been defamed by the union bosses at UACT and others (see Barbara Sponsler's June 23 letter, "Dunn definitely needs training"; she is board member Dorothy L. Beaubien's former campaign manager) who care more about power and control than they do about democracy.

I spoke with an attorney. The attorney told me that the release of budgetary information is not a violation of the Brown Act as alleged. He also felt that UACT's allegations regarding my polling of the teachers were frivolous, harassment, an unknowing violation, a moot point and a waste of UACT dues. The attorney felt that PERB will not waste its time issuing a frivolous complaint whose primary purpose was harassment.

I work for the parents and taxpayers. I listen to all sides (i.e., my polls of teachers and the community). But I give preference to the rights and wishes of the 85,000 parents and taxpayers in the district. This preference to parents makes me an obstacle in the way of UACT's anti-parent agenda (see Google search, Parent Rights Amendment, $75,000 contribution against).

UACT wants absolute control of public education, our school district and you. The union bosses never compromise on social issues or the rights of parents. Part of UACT's agenda is to promote same-sex marriage, minimize the celebration of Christmas, oppose parent rights and raise your taxes. A couple of examples are the textbook that redefines marriage and the fact that students had to go to school until the day before Christmas. When the board ignores statement cards that run 6-to-1 against a textbook that redefines marriage and instead votes for UACT's demands, you get an idea of how UACT's control of the district affects you.

UACT also demands I take "indoctrination" from the California School Board Association. CSBA is bias, partisan and submitted two resolutions to the board that criticized the governor. The other board members voted for the resolutions. Aren't we supposed to be a nonpartisan board?

Note: I am a union member and five members of family are or were public-school teachers. My wife presently teaches special education, the severely handicapped.

Ask yourself some questions. How will UACT's attack against me make our world a better place to live in? Will UACT's attack improve public education? Will UACT's attack hurt democracy and encourage corruption?

We desperately need another independent parent on this board not taking money from UACT.

— Mike Dunn, of Newbury Park, is a trustee with the Conejo Valley Unified School District board.

To Ms Vick-

If UACT is really concerned with students AND teachers, why do the following conditions exist in CVUSD?

1. "Ghetto Portables" are in use at many schools throughout the district. These have been found to contain toxi contaminents in the air-conditioning systems. CTA (Calif. Teachers Assoc.) had air quality experts study this problem and they discovered these systems are hazardous.

2. High School Math and Science class sizes in CVUSD are approaching 40 students. This is unacceptable! Also, science labs are very outdated-over 40 years old!

3. Lack of Health Benefits for CVUSD retired teachers and their dependents. Why aren't these provided like other "quality districts"?

4. Miniscule pay raises. Why does UACT continue to accept 1% or 2% increases when Board Members are granted 5%.

It appears that UACT is spending too much time and money trying to discredit Mike Dunn and not enough energy on important issues in CVUSD.

Not a very progressive agenda!!

BRAVO MIKE DUNN

Recent news articles highlight the notion that leadership of the local teacher’s union would like nothing better than to muzzle CVUSD trustee Mike Dunn. I would like to thank Mr. Dunn for his integrity in representing the wishes of parents and voters of this community. The CVUSD school board could certainly use more trustees like him.

The continuous attack by special interest groups against officials who dare to have independent views has the regrettable effect of preventing many from participating in local government.

Although it was President Tim Stephens that called for the calendar to go back for further negotiation, it has been Mike Dunn the union has chosen to punish, and all for practicing free speech, democracy, and upholding his oath of office.

Tim Stephens could have been commended for responding to public outcry when he called for further negotiation of winter break, but instead he voted in favor of the union’s calendar change which FAILED to address the concerns of the 81% majority of CVUSD constituents.

Mike Dunn has been true to his word, and has consistently represented the will of the people of this community. CVUSD trustees Stephens, Phelps, Beaubian, and Didio have once again ignored the public and instead voted in support of the special interest groups that finance their campaigns.