We asked candidates for the April 7 election a series of questions we hope will help voters make an informed voting decision. Up now: East Aurora School Board. Find their surveys attached after the jump.
There are five candidates running for three four-year terms and two candidates running for one two-year term.
Four-year position
Fernando Chapa, 50, is a real estate agent. He has never held elected office. Said Chapa: "I feel that there is a disconnect between the school board and residents of the district. I would like to be part of bridging that gap. As an over 40 year resident of this district myself and an East Aurora Alumni, I know and have lived first hand the Tradition of Excellence that this district was founded on."
Stella Gonzalez: Did not respond.
Annette Johnson, 45, is the owner of Cipriani's Pasta & Sauces in Chicago Heights. She has never held elected office. Said Johnson: "We do not have a administration who listens to the will of the people. Residents in 2006 overwhelmingly voted down a tax increase. In 2008 the district ran a bond issue which was passed many residents did not understand this was a form of tax increase that passed. The district showed fiscal irresponsibility with the bond."
Anita Lewis, 50, is a large valve production/procurement manager at Henry Pratt in Aurora. She has never held elected office. Said Lewis: "I think there are many fine administrators in our district at the elementary and high school levels along with many good teachers. If we would give these people more of a say in what is getting done in their buildings and then hold them accountable for the results we would see positive results."
Fernando Salinas Jr., 48, is a crew leader-heavy hauling department for ComEd. He was appointed to the School Board in 2008 to fill a vacancy. He previously served four years on the board, but lost a re-election bid in 2007. Said Salinas: "First of all I care very much about the students of District 131 and this community. I am a Tomcat, I have been in the board for 5 years, I have commons sense and I do not micro manage."
Two-year position
Samuel W. Carson III is a maintenence worker in the street department for the city of Aurora. He has been a precinct committeeman for three years. Said Carson: I should be elected over the incumbents "because the board has lost sight of the students."
Juanita Wells, 58, is a direct support person for the Association for Individual Development in Aurora. She has served as an East Aurora School Board member for 16 years. Said Wells: "As a sitting board member I have a proven record of supporting the children and residents of district 131. I am not afraid to tackle the big challenges facing the district. I am a person you can count on to continue working for the best interest of East Aurora District 131.".
Both Ms. Wells and Mr. Salinas (the two incumbents) mentioned that they are against micro-managing. Neither gave specific examples; but if questioning expenses such as a luxury hotel bill for $11,221.20 is micro-managing, I say, "bring on the micro-managing".
We need people on the School Board who will make decisions in the best interests of the CHILDREN in this district. And when a decision is made that turns out to be against students' best interests, the board needs to admit their mistake instead of circling the wagons with "no comment, the issue is over".
I'll be voting for Ms. Lewis, Mr. Carson, Ms. Johnson, and Ms. Gonzalez.