Readers’ comments: July 21, 2023

There are lessons to be learned from special election
Dear editor:
Having worked as an inspector and poll worker for over 40 years here in Claremont, this election has been a tough one to understand.
I’m writing Wednesday from the voting center at Condit Elementary School. It’s after 3 p.m. and we’ve had three voters today. We had nine voters yesterday and one each on Sunday and Monday. There are 13 poll workers, a custodian, and two county workers who come at the end of each day to pick up in-person and vote by mail ballots that have been turned in.
The CUSD Board of Education made the right call to appoint Hilary LaConte (an extremely competent past board member) to finish the term and save over $270,000 for this election. I look at this school and see classrooms where teachers have lists of needed supplies and books, a shortfall due to lack of funds.
These are questions I have: why is it possible for only 99 signatories to make a special election happen for so many thousands in our city? Were there choices for type of election, such as mail in only, or mail and a few days of in-person voting?
We are open 11 days for in-person voting. Is it county or state law that dictates this?
My guess is some of the good folks who signed the special election petition weren’t aware of its consequences. In Claremont we have good school board representatives and an involved constituency. We know what’s going on and speak up when necessary.
I’m an election proponent and always vote, but frankly this is a sad waste of resources when we had an experienced replacement willing to help. These gentlemen could have run in less than two years and saved a big chunk of money for our kids.
Hopefully we learn from this school lesson.
Sonja Stump
Claremont

Vote McDonald for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
I want to voice my complete support of Alex MacDonald for Trustee Area 4’s open school board position. I have lived in Claremont for over a decade, am the mother of three school-aged children, and am a passionate literacy advocate. Alex and I have spoken multiple times about the importance of high-quality reading instruction, and I have been incredibly impressed with his desire to support literacy for the sake of the children in our district.
Part of this desire stems from his own struggles with dyslexia. He is also driven to ensure all our children learn to read based on his experience as a family physician, seeing firsthand the impact of weak reading proficiency on economic inequality and on physical and mental health. Alex’s medical background makes him a strong proponent of data-driven, research-based interventions, and I know he will bring this strength to our school board as its members promote reading proficiency for all students.
I have been thoroughly impressed by Alex’s desire to understand essential issues, to consult those with expertise, and to ask pertinent questions. Combined with his intelligence, education, professional experience, and collaborative and level-headed personality, I think he will be an invaluable addition to our school board. His contributions will benefit all children learning to read in our schools.
I recommend him with complete confidence and urge residents in Trustee Area 4 to vote for him.
Katie Hickerson
Claremont

Vote McDonald for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
My name is Alexander Chang, and I graduated from Claremont High School in June. I want to take this opportunity to endorse Alex McDonald for the vacant CUSD Board of Education position, as I believe he could be an invaluable asset to Claremont’s schools.
I met Dr. McDonald recently at a school board meeting. From our first introduction, I saw why he is so well-liked and trusted by the Claremont community. His background as a healthcare provider and father provides Dr. McDonald with valuable perspectives from which he has developed a considerate, all-encompassing understanding of educational issues that will serve CUSD well.
Dr. McDonald believes students’ mental health and wellness are vital to a thriving school. I could not agree more. I lost a close friend, Michael, to suicide during the pandemic two and a half years ago, and his loss continues to have a heavy impact on many of us today. Dr. McDonald takes these issues extremely seriously. I know he will do everything he can to prevent suicide and support mental health in our schools.
I put my full support behind Dr. Alex McDonald. There is no one I would rather have as a member of our Claremont school board.
Alexander Chang
Claremont

Vote Peterson for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
As the CUSD Board of Education election approaches, candidates in Trustee Area 4 are vying for voters’ support with distinct campaign strategies. Candidate Aaron Peterson prioritizes fostering a positive school environment for youth, emphasizing courage, exploration, and friendship to instill optimism for the future. His commitment to volunteering at his children’s school bolsters his credibility.
However, Peterson’s opponent Alex McDonald seems to lack a realistic grasp of basic educational needs and has put forth an unrealistic idea that prioritizes technological rationality above all else. While embracing technology can be beneficial, overlooking essential foundational aspects of education might pose challenges for students’ development. Moreover, the opponent appears to overlook the significance of the declining test scores within the district, failing to address this critical issue adequately.
Despite the opponent’s emphasis on cultural influences, their campaign does not seem to address the core educational challenges faced by the district. In contrast, Peterson’s positive outlook aligns with many voters’ sentiments, particularly those concerned about providing a nurturing and supportive environment for the youth.
With the election signage adorning the district and the city, voters have much to consider as they head to the polls to elect the candidate they believe will best represent their values and aspirations for the school district’s future. The choice between a realistic, youth-centric approach and an idealistic, technology-focused vision will shape the course of education in Trustee Area 4 for years to come.
John Scott
Claremont

Vote Peterson for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
Alex McDonald is not the right candidate for the job! I recently saw someone post a comment about Alex McDonald’s statement on the sample ballot, where the focus is on him, and they noted a total of seven “I’s.” This self-centered approach was also noticeable in his interviews and panel review with the school board in January, where he emphasized his achievements and busyness as a person. What we truly need is someone who will prioritize our kids, their education, and build pathways for their success.
Another concerning aspect during McDonald’s interviews, which I have heard on several occasions, is his focus on making changes at the Sacramento (state) level. The focus should be on the kids, and he should not be preoccupied with making changes at the state level or trying to build a name for himself and his political career. This situation reminds me of the person who was removed from our school board, and we certainly don’t need a Llanusa 2.0.
My support has been for Aaron Peterson since 2022. We need an ordinary person who puts others first, especially when it comes to our kids. Aaron is a family man with good values and a deep understanding of parents’ concerns, and he genuinely wants every child to succeed. Importantly, he is not a politician and does not worry about his political appearance. This school board is missing a voice like Aaron’s, and I ask for your support in voting for him. You can vote in person now at Condit Elementary or send your ballot by mail.
Rick Reyes-Ramirez
Claremont

Vote Peterson for CUSD Board of Education
Dear editor:
In the CUSD Board of Education special election, concerns have arisen about candidate Alex McDonald. Initially, he showed no interest in running during the November 2022 school board election, planning for 2026 instead. Yet, within two months, he changed his plan to a “now” campaign, raising concerns about his hasty decision.
Another area of concern is Alex McDonald’s lack of presence at school board meetings. As a father of two children who frequently attends these meetings in person or online, I can attest that Mr. McDonald has never been seen or heard from in any capacity during these years leading up to January 2023. Moreover, there are concerns about the amount of time he can dedicate to the school board position, considering his demanding job and numerous other responsibilities outside of work.
On the other hand, Aaron Peterson has had my support since his first run for the school board in 2022. He has remained dedicated to serving on the school board, narrowly missing victory in a close race where he fell short by only 316 votes. Unlike Mr. McDonald, Aaron Peterson did not opt for the easy route to this school board seat. He is running his second campaign in less than a year because of his unwavering commitment to his family and community. I believe Aaron Peterson is the right candidate for the job. He has been actively present at many school board meetings over the years, demonstrating his genuine interest in the betterment of our educational system.
Aaron Peterson is the right choice for the school board, and he has my full support. Please join me in supporting him by voting. Polls are open daily until July 25. Let’s make the best choice for our community’s future.
Julio Lara
Claremont