There are many important items on the ballot in Tuesday’s election, both locally and statewide. In previous editions — web addresses provided below — we offered our endorsements for the 27th Congressional District, 40th Assembly District and the Santa Clarita City Council.
Today, we offer our picks for the Santa Clarita Community College District board — which oversees College of the Canyons — the William S. Hart Union High School District, the Saugus Union School District and the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency.
Santa Clarita Community College District
Trustee Area 1
There are two candidates on the ballot: One who has raised very little money and would represent the entire community, and one who has two relatives who are employees of the college and whose campaign has received more than $40,000 in support from college-related labor unions.
We’re going with Darlene Trevino, the community-based candidate who recognizes that the college is, in fact a “community college” that answers to the entire community and all of the taxpayers who pay for it. Trevino has played an important role in leading the college out of the tumultuous final year under the former chancellor, and we believe she has earned the opportunity to continue providing that much-needed leadership.
In the broader picture, we are concerned about the level of entitlement that the faculty and staff seem to feel they possess when it comes to running the community’s college. Keeping Trevino on the board will maintain the very delicate sense of balance needed for the college to move forward under the leadership of Superintendent-President Jasmine Ruys without undue influence from the employee unions.
William S. Hart Union High School District
Trustee Area 2
Bryan Biggers is the sensible choice for this seat. He will support parents’ rights, which is becoming more and more important in the current political environment.
William S. Hart Union High School District
Trustee Area 5
Joe Messina’s track record as a board member is stellar. He advocates for a sensible approach to issues of education and parents’ rights, and has been an influential leader in the district’s efforts to create opportunities in career technical education, reflecting a keen understanding of both the changing job market and the changing educational environment.
Saugus Union School District
Trustee Area 1
Our pick is Natalie Epstein, a parent with kids in the district and also a savvy businesswoman.
Saugus Union School District
Trustee Area 2
Anna Griese has been an important voice for parents on this board, especially while navigating the failed leadership of the previous superintendent who was ineffective in dealing with student behavior issues. The district has a new superintendent and we endorse Griese to help keep the district heading back onto the right track.
Saugus Union School District
Trustee Area 5
Challenger Cindy Hallman is a strong supporter of the rights of parents and teachers. This trustee area has been represented since 2016 by Chris Trunkey, and we believe it’s time for a change.
Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency
Division 1
Endorsing Bill Cooper for re-election is a no-brainer. Cooper is a water expert with a track record of public service and responsible stewardship of the Santa Clarita Valley’s water supply.
Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency
Division 3 (vote for no more than two)
In this division there are three candidates for two seats. And the two who represent the most level-headed approach to water supply management are Ken Petersen and Maria Gutzeit.
Both of them recognize the water agency’s true purpose: To deliver a reliable supply of clean, potable water to the customers in the SCV.
The third candidate on the ballot, Lynne Plambeck, has a long-running penchant for attempting to leverage the agency for other purposes, such as blocking developments she opposes. Growth management is not a function of a water agency.
To see The Signal Editorial Board’s Oct. 10 endorsement of Jason Gibbs for the 27th Congressional District, go to: tinyurl.com/5y66a8md.
To see The Signal Editorial Board’s Oct. 24 endorsements for the 40th Assembly District and Santa Clarita City Council, go to tinyurl.com/5n76yx2m.
