LTUSD, LTCC candidates' forum Wednesday.

By Kathryn Reed

STATELINE — About 70 people listened Wednesday to the seven education candidates share their views about why they should be elected Nov. 3.

Even though all are running for California seats, the meeting was at Harveys in Nevada.

Nothing earth shattering was shared by the candidates. Each had 2 minutes for an opening statement and concluded with a 1-minute wrap-up. The incumbents touted experience and continuity, while the newcomers professed to bring change and new ideas to the respective boards.

Seated in the order they will appear on the ballot were Lake Tahoe Community College board of trustee candidates Kerry David, Molly Blann, Mary Jane Sanchez and Roberta Mason. (Sanchez is the challenger.) For Lake Tahoe Unified School District board of education the candidates are Judy Cefalu (challenger), Duane Wallace and Wendy David.

All were asked: If the state were to return half of the money it has taken away, what would they do with it?

Wendy David would spend it on restoring programs, which in turn would mean being able to hire people.

Wallace would ensure class-size reduction kept going, hire teachers and aides, and have programs brought back.

Cefalu would make sure help is available in the classroom for teachers, and expand the bus routes.

Mason would add back services like tutoring, and restore the Wilderness Program to be a signature program like originally intended.

Sanchez would like to create A Young at Heart program. She (repeatedly) pointed people to her website for information about her desires on most issues.

Blann would use the money to restore classes that have been cut and continue with international outreach.

Kerry David would like to rehire people whose jobs have been cut and maintain adequate salaries.

The challengers were asked how many meetings they’ve attended. Cefalu said all since declaring her candidacy. Sanchez said several.

When asked what the role of a board member is, all said to make policy and then each added a bit more.

The event was sponsored by Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe.

To vote in the Nov. 3 election, El Dorado County residents must be registered by Oct. 19. To register, go to http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm.