Harald Martin Appointment An Insult To AUHSD Voters

I have to agree with the comments of other bloggers -- here, here and here -- on the appointment of Harald Martin to fill the late Denise Mansfield-Reinking seat on the Anaheim Union High School District. There's really no other word for it other than stupid, and to see it defended by Trustee Thomas Holguin is disappointing but not really surprising, since Holguin also defended the AUHSD Board complete mismanagement of the voter-approved school bond.

AUHSD voters dumped Martin when he ran for re-election -- finishing nearly 2,000 votes behind the third place finisher. 

When he asked AUHSD voters for another chance last November, he finished seventh out of a field of eight.

It's crystal clear to anyone AUHSD voters do not want Martin representing them. As the elected representatives of those voters, the remaining AUHSD Trustees should respect the voters rejection of Martin.

I don't subscribe to the notion that in cases such as these the seat ought to go to losing candidate who got the most votes. After all, the voters didn't choose that candidate, either -- and Trustees choices for a replacement shouldn't be limited only to candidates in the most recent election.

However, in this case Jordan Brandman would have made a solid choice for the seat -- and an infinitely better choice than Harald Martin.

Martin ought to do himself and the voters a favor by resigning and giving the AUHSD Trustees the opportunity to correct this massive error in judgment.

Comments

[Lucy Dunn]

You are spot-on, Jubal. I attended that board meeting and it was appalling.

Further, having worked with Jordan Brandman at OCBC, I know him to be exceptionally well-qualified, gifted and the breath of fresh air that board so desperately needs.

[colony rabble]

Can it be? Jubal and I agree on something! I spoke at the public hearing on behalf of Jordan Brandman. He is an articulate, intelligent young man who would have brought new life and a fresh perspective to the school board. His experience would have helped us get the resources we need from Sacto. Best of all, he is not more of the “good old boys network” that has already ruined our schools and squandered our funds. Instead, the board gave us back someone we soundly rejected, a divisive man at a time when we need to get through the difficult task of fiscal recovery.

Lucy, I did not attend the last session, did they actually discuss the appointments in the open? I heard through the grapevine that they went into closed session for discussion…true or false?

[Too Bad!]

Jordan was the right guy for that job. It is too bad that AUHSD can't pull it together.

[Lucy Dunn]

CR: I arrived at the meeting while they were publicly discussing the purported "philosophy" behind who they would select which segued into a motion and discussion on candidates, but it was all rather unintelligible.

[Bladerunner]

Jubal--Nice post. I think Brandman was more then qualified although I don't think you automatically go to the next highest vote getter as some have suggested. If you want to have that system, write it into an ordinance. Brandman's placement should have been a factor but nothing more. HIs qualifications relative to other applicants is what should count.

Martin's past results, on the other hand, should have been evidence enough that the district had enough of this guy.

[Andy Hilbert]

The petition to demand a special election to fill the seat vacated by the untimely passing of Denise Mansfield-Reinking is ready for your signature. If we get enough signatures the undemocratic selection of Harald Martin will be nullified and an election will be held.

If you are interested in helping, contact me through my profile for more information on my blog: www.andyhilbert.blogspot.com.

[Pete Baldwin]

Please attend Los Amigos this Wednesday morning at 7:30am; Jagerhaus Restaurant, 2525 E. Ball road, Anaheim. You will discover a substantive effort in the works to reverse the decision of the AUHSD Board of Trustees. First, Harold Martin, and then the remainder of the board who placed their arrogance in front of the district's need to teach.