Rewarding experience

Dear editor:

Running for the Claremont Unified School Board has been one of the more rewarding experiences of my life.  I have met new neighbors and enjoyed the many opportunities to connect with the Claremont community. Participating as a candidate allowed me to listen and engage with students, staff and the people of Claremont in a challenging and thoughtful way. This experience has reminded me how lucky we are to live in a community of passionate and caring individuals who are committed to public service and education.

I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the many community members who endorsed my candidacy, displayed signs in their yard and sent generous financial contributions in support of my campaign. Your confidence, along with your encouragement has meant the world to me.

Most importantly, I would like to thank my campaign committee for the tireless effort they expended in support of my campaign.  I am so honored that you chose to participate with my team and I am grateful for the time and support you gave, especially over the last six months. My deepest thanks go to my husband, Bill, and my daughter, Shelby, for cheering me on and also for delivering hundreds of signs throughout our wonderful city.

Kathy Archer

Claremont

Humbled and grateful

Dear editor:

I am humbled and grateful to have the support of my community in the recent school board election. Although votes are still being counted, I am hopeful to have the opportunity to serve our exceptional school district alongside David Nemer, Steven Llanusa, and Nancy Treser Osgood. I wish to recognize the outstanding service of Hilary LaConte and Beth Bingham (and also Mary Caenepeel) who have led with distinction for many years. I also wish to publicly thank Dr. Jim Elsasser for his consistently strong leadership as superintendent. I thank Kathy Archer and Chris Naticchia for contributing their time, their passion, and their ideas on the campaign trail. It was an honor to share their company.

Our schools face multiple challenges, not the least of which is reopening, and I am looking forward to working with our families, teachers, staff, and community partners to create a safe and strategic plan for the immediate and long-term future. I am confident that we will emerge from this challenging moment in time stronger than ever.

To those who endorsed me, displayed a yard sign, contributed financially, and voted for me, please know how much you mean to me.  Lastly, to my committee led by Richard Chute and Laura Roach, I am grateful beyond words. Your tireless effort for more than a year inspired and energized me. I know we will all continue to work together in multiple ways to serve CUSD students and I could not be prouder to stand beside you.

Bob Fass

Claremont

Thank you, Claremont

Dear editor:

Since I was very young, I have been a big believer in public service and I love my lifelong hometown of Claremont.

When family and friends encouraged me to run for a seat on our city council, I jumped into the arena.

I write to express my thanks to the voters who shared their concerns as I knocked on hundreds of doors. Their encouragement and generosity inspired me and fueled my campaign.

It’s no secret that we are facing huge challenges as a city, state, and nation.

Now that the election is over, it is time to unite. Today, I called to congratulate Corey Calaycay on his winning campaign and to offer my help in his important work.

Working together, we can make our city an even better place to live.

Ethan M. Reznik

Candidate for Claremont City Council

District 1

Helping veterans

Dear editor:

The VFW’s motto is “No one does more for veterans.” But this Veterans Day, our work is being curtailed by the pandemic and by unnecessary government regulations.

Many of our posts possess liquor licenses which classify them as “bars” and require them to close. VFW posts are community hubs providing many essential programs and services. We offer free professional help with VA disability claims. We assist veterans who are homeless or distraught. And we do much more for veterans, for our communities, and for our great nation.

We commend Governor Newsom’s efforts to protect California. We strive to protect and serve vulnerable communities as well. However, we have asked that our posts be reclassified. This Veterans Day we encourage everyone to help the veterans around them. And if you can, we ask that you urge your elected officials to reclassify our posts, so that we may resume serving our veterans.

John G. Lowe

State Commander

Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of California