Posted by member, a resident of San Ramon, on Jul 30, 2010 at 9:02 am

I recommend that you run for the office if you feel qualified. One of the incumbents has never had to run for office - he has always been appointed, or as may be the case here, because of no opposition, no election was held and automatically was given the seat. The political process is in place for the voter to hear the candidate's views and make a determination if they will represent their interests in office. If there is no election, and it is by default or appointment, how can the voters question the intentions of the candidates, their past history or involvement at the local school level and their position on major issues that will impact, as in this case, the schools, property values and education of the next generation? How do you know the support they have in the local community if they have never had to run for office? What if our political system was all by default - then we might as well be a monarchy!

Posted by San Ramon Resident and Parent, a resident of San Ramon, on Jul 30, 2010 at 9:26 am

I'd recommend you bring your fresh ideas to a particular school first, for at least 2-3 years, to see and get a good understanding for how things are run in this district, what some of the constraints are, and to see what really needs to change. Before my children attended the schools here, I had a lot of opinions and ideas based on my own experience that were not consistent with the reality of what this district faces. When I became more involved in the district, I realized things weren't that simple, and that there were so many factors that came into play.

If you do get involved, you will likely have a much better chance of making a run for the board worth your time and effort, and you will have specific experience with this district that would give you more credibility with anyone voting. I know the PTA president who is running, and how much time and effort she has invested in this district over many years - she is imminently qualified to serve in this role. You need to build your own credibility with people inside the district before they will choose you to represent them, and being 25 with an MBA and fresh ideas, while a wonderful thing, won't be enough to get you elected in a district with such a highly educated, highly experienced voter base. I am not trying to be discouraging - I like your enthusiasm to do this and we need it, but build yourself a foundation of support for a couple of years so you have "things I've done" to which you can point when it is the right time for you to run.

Posted by Mom with school kids, a resident of San Ramon, on Aug 2, 2010 at 7:11 am

Oh, please run! We are in desperate need of fresh ideas, someone willing to take a risk and look at things differently. Even if you do not win the position, you will succeed by forcing discussions, reviews of current policies and "stirring the pot." I wish you well and hope that your enthusiasm, passion and vigor will cause debate and reviews of the status quo.

Posted by Ms. Bunny, a resident of San Ramon, on Aug 5, 2010 at 9:28 am

PLEASE go forward and run for this office...God knows we need some new direction and fresh blood to this board in light of...well, I don't think I need to spell out the situation again with SRVSD mishandling of business/lack of accountability in the valley. I'm sure your ideas and life experience would be a HUGE welcome relief to what has been sprialing down now, for some years.

Frankly? I would like a completely NEW board in office - one that had AT LEAST a couple of well qualified accountants on it...

Posted by Local Citizen, a resident of San Ramon, on Aug 5, 2010 at 10:13 am

I say run for the position. The outrageous headlines indicating this choice will cost the district $50K to put forth an official election just because you want to run is ridiculous. Yes, it may cost money, but that is because four people are running, not just you. It sounds like some people are trying to pressure you to back out. Why don't they pressure someone else to back out? You have every right to run for one of the open seats and there are probably more people than you think that hope you will. Good luck! Anything worth having is worth fighting for!

Posted by Mr. San Ramon, a resident of San Ramon, on Aug 6, 2010 at 1:27 pm

Son, just as you've done on the 3 missions trips you've made to Mexico over the years helping build a sanctuary and to Africa delivering medical and compassionate aid, work hard and God will clear your way. I've known you for 25 years and if this is your calling, our valley will be the better for it.