In years past and present, the FUSD and school Boards have steered themselves very admirably on these issues. I had a chuckle when #59 said that FUSD is out of compliance on what is being taught at schools.

Happy New Year to you and others on the Board as well as the Superintendent and other members of FUSD.

I have always been a fiscal conservative, as has the Board, when we deal with the public’s trust and money. This seems to serve our community well. I don’t believe that everyone will be a fiscal conservative as our state and federal governments propose solutions to our fiscal crisis.

Social conservative is a much more subjective label. I would be happy to meet and discuss any educational matter that you would be interested in discussing.

Thank you for your kind comments. I believe it is a privilege and honor to serve on our school board.

Get together with the Vinnie crowd, the CBC
folks and others to make the party a place
where all feel comfortable speaking their
mind and not hound them out like the Dutras
have been.

Ah. I hear a jingle in the sky. Time to go
and spot Santa with my 6 year old.

HO HO HO

People like you with the ability to right a wrong
should pull all the folks together such as the
Vinnie

I wish you all Happy Holidays and New Year. I also pray that all have secure source of income to suuport their loving family.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone! Here’s to another year of politics, and may our community be better served by our elected officials rather than politics as usual.

Thank you for your insight, but I will (respectfully) say you are misinformed. To address your points:

1. The Democratic Party did not endorse Vinnie for several reasons, including the fact that he was actually a “Green Party” member until he registered as a Dem to run for the Council. He also ran a very negative campaign, as you have heard. He chose to run (both) of his races by telling people why NOT to vote for the other candidates, instead of why TO vote for him. Also, you might of heard that he showed up at a local Tea Party meeting. While there, he said, “Yes, I’m a registered Democrat. But don’t hold that against me”. So you see, there is no real mystery to this one. Don’t get me wrong, I think Vinnie coming around, and I think if he changes his strategy and position that he stands a good chance in 2012. I’d be happy to support him, if I saw that.

2. Those who know Bill Harrison know that he is a moderate, and on social issues, he is actually quite liberal. He was a registered Republican, you are right. But Garrett Yee is a very conservative Republican. To have any insight into what kind of Assemblymember he would have been – all you have to do is look at his campaign contribution reports online. You will find that the entities that usually fund Republican candidates – well, they all lined up behind Yee to support his campaign. That was not a mistake.

3. Also, Steve, I did not “attack” the CBC. Please do not attempt to re-frame my argument. I have several friends that are active members. I simply brought up the CBC to prove the point that Chinmoy, and many others, are overlooking another political organization in the area, that has had a history of grooming and supporting political slates in the area.

Chinmoy knows this well, because he took major objection to their practices in 2004 and was one of the leading voices criticizing the way they used their resources, recruited and endorsed candidates, etc – particularly because they are a 510(c)(3) non-profit.

And by the way, Steve, I would hardly call Ivy Wu, Lily Mei, Garrett Yee, Sue Chan, Steve Cho, Henry Yin, Lisa Quan and Albert Wang “non-insiders”. They are the CBC leadership, and they are, in fact, the political insiders of the Chinese Community.

My point is simply this: You cannot overlook their practices, and then point a harsh finger at the Democrats. Like I mentioned, and Robert correctly echoed, the Dems, the CBC, Labor, the Chamber of Commerce, and others – they are all doing the same thing.

Social Networker #51 –

I have not told anyone to leave town. I simply pointed out the political landscape of this County – we are a strong Democratic county. That is not likely to change.

And again, I did not attack the CBC. Why is it when I bring up the actual practices of the CBC, I am accused of attacking them, but when you, Chinmoy, Steve, and others (inaccurately) attempt to discuss the Democratic Party you are simply “stating your concerns”?

In fact, it is you all that are in attack-mode. What’s up with the double-standards, inconsistency, and hypocritical nature of this blog?

Steve #56 –

Please don’t give Chinmoy Roy too much credit. He is with one group today and with another group tomorrow, and seems to be disgruntled for some reason.

And it’s interesting that you appreciated the post outlining the structure of the local party, but you DID NOT appreciate my post outlining the structure of the CBC. Which leads me to believe you are possibly a member of the CBC. That’s okay too – but at least don’t overlook the fact that there are many interest groups in the area that base their support on many different things, and they are all looking to get the candidate that can best represent their interests elected.

I don’t see you trying to line up a investigative search into those that the Labor Council endorsed. Or what about the Chamber of Commerce? Why don’t you seem interested to get to the bottom of their endorsement practices? Or how about the Association of Realtors? They are an endorsing body as well. So is the National Organization of Women. And what about Fremont’s Police and Fire? They also endorse.

Speaking of which – they all endorsed Tahmasbi in 2008, along with the Party, of course. I know it’s becoming popular to accuse the Party of only supporting “insiders” – but what about all the rest or those organizations? They all got it wrong in 2008, Steve? That’s pretty darn unlikely – seeing as how many of those groups are at opposite ends of the political spectrum. So, it’s a bit foolish and misleading to suggest that they all bowed to the power of the Party.

And Raj Salwan – his scope goes well beyond the Party. He is involved in Kidango, Ohlone College, Tri-City Homeless Coalition, SAVE, and more. On top of being a small business man, he’s a Human Rights commissioner, and a strong family man. Why should his involvement in the Party overshadow all the other wonderful things that Salwan has done for the community?

It’s pretty ridiculous to try to sell him short.

He would have been an outstanding Council Member. Hopefully we will see a run from him in 2012.

And by the way – Mr. Sweeney:

Thank you for visiting the blog and sharing your thoughts. Unfortunately, as I’ve watched many of the School Board meetings, I have seen you line up on the wrong side of some very important issues, including Sex Education (which FUSD is currently out of compliance with their Sex Ed requirements). Today, almost everyone is a fiscal conservative. But unfortunately, you come off as a social conservative as well.

On a personal note, I do want to thank you for serving on the School Board. This is not an easy time to be a public servant, and you have stepped up and we are all grateful.

Merry Christmas. (You too, Social Networker).

I am just one of the many Democrats who live in Fremont and follow
the politics. Anyway here is hoping that better candidates will be
endorsed in the future. Holiday cheer, Merry Christmas and Happy
2011 to you.