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Many of the thoughts expressed in this editorial are things that Darrel and I have always talked about and considered, but within the past couple of weeks, they have just really been front-and-center for us.

The most recent discussions and frustrations we’ve shared with each other started after the most recent school board meeting.

When I first arrived at the meeting, so many people packed into the room that it was difficult getting through the door and I had difficulty hearing the board president. I felt forced to the back and experienced some less than cordial behavior by more than one person including at least one teacher. Luckily, I and the other person who had attended the meeting with the intent of speaking during public comments, were eventually given the opportunity to do so.

Students and parents attended the meeting to express concerns for the English Language Learners and their rights as students. They did this as part of an attempt to advocate a Student Intervention Committee. The committee itself was not clearly explained or defined during the board meeting and there came a point where control of the meeting clearly shifted. Board member Jesus Rodriguez asked Board President Stella Estrada to read from the district’s vision statement. As Estrada turned back in her notes to do so, a parent approached the lectern, took control of the microphone and suddenly it was apparently time for public input on the topic at hand.

Time limits were not strictly enforced. (Public comments are to be limited to three minutes per person with no more than 20 minutes allocated per topic. At least that is the case for the Public Participation portion of the meeting.) According to the standard information that appears on every board agenda, “The Board President shall not permit any disturbance or willful interruption of board meetings.”

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Tags: Andy Rooney, art, arts, dance, DUSD board meeting, Education, math, music, NCLB, Sir Ken Robinson, theater

A version of this editorial first ran in the July 2007 edition of The Delhi Express. This month we bring you an updated reminder of why and how you can Think Delhi.

As Delhi’s premiere source for local news, it is only natural for us to focus on why you should support your local businesses. After all, the hometown newspaper should support the hometown businesses.

Some of you may be reading The Delhi Express for the first time. Some may be lifelong readers. We are aware that there are people in our town who may not realize all that Delhi has to offer. There are many great shopping and other business opportunities right here at home. There is more to do than sleep and eat at your home in Delhi.

If you’re looking for a good steak, the Elegant Bull has delicious offerings. The steak is the best in the area by far.

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This is a major election for some. Stanislaus County has some pretty serious races in progress including sheriff and county superintendent. On the other hand, those in Merced County are, for the most part, facing fairly simple election decisions. The Assessor, Auditor/Clerk, District Attorney, Sheriff, Treasurer/Tax Collector and County Superintendent are all uncontested and many of them are incumbents. Despite the races being uncontested, we would like to make specific endorsements for three of the races.

Sheriff: We support the re-election of Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin. We have seen good things happening in our area since his election and we have had the opportunity to meet him. Delhi is now home to the North Area Substation and continues to have the services of Deputy Joey Cardenas as School Resource Officer. Pazin personally records the “Merced County’s Most Wanted” feature that appears on local radio stations. We believe he will continue to serve Merced County and the Delhi area well.

County Superintendent: Lee Andersen stood at Delhi’s side during the Territory Transfer meetings and personally appeared on behalf of Delhi Unified School District. Having the support of county officials throughout the process was a wonderful thing to see. Andersen has served the county well during his time as County Superintendent and we see no reason why he shouldn’t continue. We happily support the re-election of Lee Andersen.

Assessor: It is our pleasure to endorse Kent Christensen for assessor. In addition to bringing experience with him, he brings a wonderful personality. Christensen is a very active member of the Delhi-Ballico Lions Club. He is supportive of Delhi and in return, we believe Delhi should be supportive of him in his efforts. Not only do we endorse him, but we wish him all the best.

Feature Endorsement:
MEASURE A
The Delhi Express fully supports Measure A.

A great deal of effort has been put into organizing this measure and getting it onto the June ballot. One of the greatest complaints we hear throughout Delhi is about the roads. A yes vote on Measure A will approve a one-half cent sales tax increase that will go strictly to matching state and federal funds for our local roads. When Merced County is unable to match those state and federal funds, we lose. The money goes to counties who are able to match the funds. Every penny of the funds raised will remain in Merced County.

The Merced County Association of Governments held meetings throughout Merced County to get community input on what projects were most needed. Projects will be done in Delhi, as well as within other parts of the county, with these funds. When a similar measure appeared on the ballot a few years ago, Delhi voters approved it, yet it fell short countywide. A minimum of 67-percent of Merced County voters must say YES on Measure A in order for it to pass. In addition to the specific projects for which the funds are allocated, there are general plans including regular road maintenance which is desperately needed in our area.

On June 6, vote YES on MEASURE A.

For our Stanislaus County readers, we support Adam Christianson for Sheriff-Coroner. We have followed this race closely and spoken with several individuals in Stanislaus and Merced counties. We believe that Christianson is the best choice in this election.

For County Superintendent, we support Maria Alvarez. This was not an easy decision to make. However, Alvarez brings a tremendous background in education with her. She first worked in schools as a paraprofessional. She has also worked as a teacher. She has worked in Merced and Stanislaus counties, as well as for the California Department of Education. She has worked hard not only in her career as an educator, but in completing her own education at the same time. After speaking with individuals in Stanislaus County, we believe Alvarez is a fine choice for County Superintendent.

Finally, we endorse Mike Cummins for District Attorney. We are aware that some have been unhappy with Cummins’ latest campaign. We first became acquainted with him at a campaign event last June. We did not know who he was then and over the past year, we have learned more about him. We have spoken with people who know him and people who have met him simply by chance. We believe Cummins is the best choice in this election.

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