By: Frank Hilliker
Dear Lakeside Republicans,
This election is important. Now more than ever, we need focused leadership at every level of Government. After the past two years, we all continue to realize how important and how much influence our school boards have on the families in our community.
Last week I attended a candidate forum hosted by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce and I must tell you I was very surprised by the answers of some of the incumbent candidates running for the Lakeside School Board. Two of them, Don Whisman and Holly Ferrante, are trying to sound like Republicans. They’re not.
In Lakeside there are only four candidates that are endorsed by the Republican Party of San Diego because they believe in: lower taxes, parental rights, focusing on reading/writing/math in the classroom, career pathways for kids, and improving academic achievement for kids.
Long term Seat:
Andrew Hayes
Jim Bennett
Ron Kasper
Short Term Seat:
Autumn Ellenson
Let me share a little bit with you about the forum and some votes made at the School Board that I have observed over the past four years:
The Forum:
Two questions were asked of each candidate:
1) Did California fail our kids by not reopening our schools earlier for in person/in classroom instruction? All candidates answered yes. Which is interesting… I can tell you, the two candidates endorsed by the Democratic Party (Don Whisman & Holly Ferrante) said, yes. Yet, Holly Ferrante, repeatedly voted against motions to reopen schools. It is interesting that when you must face voters your mind changes.
2) Would you oppose school bonds (tax increases on property) that do not allow for fair and open competition for projects? All candidates answered yes. Which is interesting… Again I can tell you the two candidates endorsed by the Democratic Party (Don Whisman & Holly Ferrante) said, yes. Yet, Holly Ferrante, has repeatedly supported tax increases on Lakesiders to the tune of over 150 million dollars.
I think these facts speak for themselves. Oh, but wait – there’s more!
The votes of those on the board:
Pay Raises for high paid administrators while the district was in the red:
Andrew Hayes (R) – No
Holly Ferrante (D) – Yes (repeatedly)
Don Whisman (D) – Yet to be seen…
Tax Increases on Lakeside Residents:
Andrew Hayes (R) – No
Holly Ferrante (D) – Yes (repeatedly supported them)
Don Whisman (D) – Yet to be seen…
Reopening Schools Early for in person Instruction:
Andrew Hayes (R) – Yes
Holly Ferrante (D) – No (repeatedly)
COVID-19 Mask Choice for Parents:
Andrew Hayes (R) – Yes
Holly Ferrante (D) – No (repeatedly)
Don Whisman (D) – No (repeatedly)
I hope you consider the facts when you cast your ballot for Lakeside School Board this election.
Thank you,
Frank Hilliker
Community Leader
Photo Cred: FOX 5 San Diego
