Political letters
Reader in favor of Shanda Harry
Shanda Harry is an exceptional candidate for the office of Lake County Superior Court Judge. Her plans for making our courts more efficient are impressive. She is committed to making the courts a fair and effective process for all those involved – plaintiffs, defendants, families, jurors, lawyers and law enforcement who assist. Having served as a juror on a six week trial last fall, I know that her experience and commitment to making our courts work more efficiently will serve our court system well. Shanda is extremely well educated and qualified, and will be ready to go to work her first day on the bench. I am thankful to have such an outstanding choice for Superior Court Judge.
—Kathy Windrem, Kelseyville
Former teacher is voting for Alvord, Buffalo and Hanson
I taught in the Lakeport Unified School District for most of my 37 years of teaching. I’m retired. But I still care. I know little about the fiscal problems spoken of or the difficulties with the swimming pool. I’m not well informed about the workings of Terrace School or Clear Lake High School.
I do know something about Lakeport Elementary School. That is my concern. My old school holds a deep and loved spot in my heart. I well remember the day we all (kids and teachers), walked there from the Main Street School. The school was brand new. It was great.
Through the years, Pat McGuire, Erin Hagberg and Mike Svehla led us well. They had many, many responsibilities. One that held great importance was the establishment of effective discipline policies. Then, they followed through with the children and sometimes with their families.
A structured discipline plan is hard to keep in place effectively. But it is so very necessary. Children need to know there are consequences for their actions. It is absolutely for their own good to recognize what is allowed and what isn’t.
I completely understand there are more unbalanced, sad and difficult children than in past years. That makes the job harder, but not impossible. I understand that the current principal cares a lot about children. That’s a good thing, of course. I also understand he works hard. And, the IDEA of PBIS, the current discipline program is lovely. But real consequences for extreme misbehavior are not part of this.
Some examples from 2017-18, that according to my sources, were not dealt with in any effective manner. Explicit, threatening, derogatory profanity. Examples: “F*** You, I’m going to bomb you.” “F*** You, I’m going to get you fired.” “F*** You B****.”
Running out of classrooms repeatedly. Running on countertops. Knocking over desks. Throwing objects, chairs. Climbing on top of cabinets Kicking, hitting, scratching, punching
Secondly, the exodus of some of the very best teachers from the school is shocking. The teachers I know personally who left, did so primarily because of the inability of the administration to effectively deal with these problems. That developed into blame being turned back on these teachers. (Who to a person had great structure and discipline in their classrooms.) My understanding is that the administration at all levels has not taken any responsibility for the disarray at the elementary school. Perhaps they think that this is how it’s always been. But, that is not true, at all.
Some teachers, some parents and some community members brought this to the attention of the school board.
The school board: I recognize and thank all school board members, past and present. It is a difficult and mostly thankless job. You may know that board members have little, if any, real experiences on the school grounds or in classrooms, through the school days. It’s rare to see a board member at school when children are there. In making decisions, they are guided and led by the superintendent. In my experience, this worked well when Dale Jensen and Erin Hagberg were superintendents. Each served many, many years with little chaos. They did not have personal skirmishes nor did they hold grudges. They helped the boards they served with to govern effectively.
In my opinion, that is now not the case. I believe that Carly Alvord, Dan Buffalo and Jennifer Hanson have real knowledge of the situation at Lakeport Elementary. They are the hope for positive change.
—Joan Cox
Reader for Harry for Superior Court Judge
I’m supporting Shand Harry for Superior Court Judge. It’s time that we brought a woman to this office, especially one young enough to serve a full term and embrace new norms as they are implemented state-wide. Her experience is the broadest, having represented people from all walks of life and in many areas of the state. She has the best temperament to be a Judge and her ethics are impeccable.
Shanda has received a long list of endorsements from all age groups and spanning all political parties. One of her latest supporters is Sheriff Brian Martin who is a great example of someone who has earned the respect and support of all since his election in 2014.
Shanda has received most of her endorsements by attending hundreds of events around the County in order to meet as many voters as possible, to hear their concerns and answer their questions. She has run an exemplary and tireless campaign which previews what kind of judge she will be.
I will be proud of her judicial service to Lake County and not worry that she will bring any personal drama to the position, but instead bring energy and great ideas for positive changes to build a strong and fair future for the residents of Lake County.
I’m voting for Shanda Harry for Judge on November 6th and hope that you will too!
–Greta Zeit, Middletown
