À la D8/D10 appt process, Walnut Creek SB ignores voter preferences in filling vacancy

In the CA Political News and Views, two Walnut Creek School Board candidates from the last cycle share their concerns about the district’s approach to a new vacancy: Rather than abiding by voters’ choice next in line, the WCSD is designating a replacement through a selection process—led by existing board members. If this “bureaucratic groupthink” sounds familiar to San Joseans… it’s probably because it is.

To our disappointment, all three incumbents were re-elected, however we received over 6500 votes each.  We accepted the results, acknowledging that the constituents used their votes to make their voices heard.

Fast forward to today. We learned that one of the newly elected School Board Members resigned, just 3 weeks into his term.

This is surprising, since all candidates signed several affidavits, swearing “If nominated/elected, I will accept the nomination/election and not withdraw.”   “I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.”

The policy to fill the vacancy (the “replacement” member), is selection via an application process.  All applicants are interviewed by the existing School Board members, with no oversight whatsoever by any other elected officials or committees.  The applicants are not required to provide any campaign materials or demonstrate any previous experience.  The public has no ability to make their voices heard, or influence the board’s decision.  Effectively, the public’s “voice” in this election is gone….

This process seems very unfair, and not democratic at all.

It is clear that most constituents in Walnut Creek (and other school boards) are not aware this is happening, and makes a mockery of the election process.  The constituents have voted, yet the candidates that campaigned and committed their service are being denied the ability to serve on the Walnut Creek School Board.

This article originally appeared in the California Political News and Views. Read the whole thing here.

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