November 2nd you will be able to vote for THREE School Board candidates

Question #9: A big issue has been access to the new football field’s track. What is your position on allowing the public to use the track?

Lucy Rangel: When our voters passed our last school bond, they were told that they would be allowed to use the track. After the district decided to make the investment of an all-weather track, they should have done a better job of communicating to the public all the advantages of having such modern facilities; and the reasons the track and football field would have to be secured. With the vandalism that had existed, along with soaring costs of repairs, and safety and liability issues, I can understand why our district has been reluctant to allow the public to use this facility. However, the fact remains that many community members, including myself, feel that responsible individuals who are avid runners should be allowed more use of our modern track.
Since the school bond is paying for some of this project, the district has made an effort to allow some of our local runners to pilot a program which was established as a running club. A subcommittee was formed with representatives from our Parks and Recreation Department, our school district, and the public. Although there are concerns that still need to be addressed, members of the subcommittee are working together to try and implement more public use of our track. Those of you interested in providing positive input, or who have creative ideas of how to manage this issue, should attend the subcommittee’s next meeting on Nov. 10th, at 6:00 P.M. at our City Hall. See you there.

Kimberly Rivers: I fully support the Community having access to the track. In providing a benefit to the public the District will demonstrate to students the vital and varied role schools play in our community. We as adults must model true community involvement to motivate students to do the same, as they become adults. When elected I pledge to get to the bottom of whatever is preventing public access to the track so it available for public use. The fact that this issue remains unresolved demonstrates the Districts distance from the community, and the lack of leadership within the Board to respond to the needs of the community it serves.
In this final week of campaigning, I again thank those community members, who have spoken out, letting their family, friends, even clients know the importance of this election for FUSD. Our students cannot wait. It will take the entire community to improve our schools, but it begins with leadership on the Board. And if you have questions for me, ask me, I am honestly happy to answer your questions. Remember you get the most accurate info going straight to the source. Would you prefer to make decisions based on rumors or on facts? Do you think we adults should spread gossip or truth? For me an important quality in a Board member is dedication to toss gossip aside and to gather the unslanted facts in order to make a decision. Have all candidates demonstrated this dedication? I’ll let voters decide.
I've put all of my responses to the 9 weeks of questions from the paper on one page. Here's the link: http://electkimrivers.blogspot.com/p/issues-my-responses.html. Makes for easy reading and learning where I stand on the issues, www.votekimrivers.com.

Mark Austin: The voters within the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) boundaries, in approving Measure E, were under the impression that full public access and use of the track would be provided. This was one of the selling points in order to gain the approval and issuance of a general obligation bond. Currently, there is very limited public access and use of the track. It is my position that the FUSD should figure out a way to allow full public access and use of the track. Please visit my website at www.votemarkaustin.com.

Dave Wilde: Somehow a time needs to be set aside so that interested community members have access to the track. Once a time has been established the next step is to set up guidelines to ensure against or deal with possible damage. This process is occurring at this time. Unfortunately it seems to be moving at a snail's pace.
I am concerned about open access while students are on the field. A number of years ago while teams were practicing people could been seen walking the track and there was no concern about student safety. The past three years we have had some damage done to player's vehicles on Wednesday nights while they were practicing. As a result I have some worries about those same people having access to the track and students being injured. I know that may seem unusual, but it has happened. I feel parents should know the high school is doing all they can to ensure the safety of their children while they are at any athletic event. If I were a coach and I had that guarantee I would have no problem with people walking or running the track during practice. Not only would it allow public access, but foster public support.

Tony Prado: The track and the football field were built to meet the needs of the students participating in P.E. and Sports at Fillmore High School. The students have first priority. Without any doubt the community should have access to the track and field when students are not using the facility. It is not a good idea for the community and students to use the facility at the same time because of safety issues. Young adults and older high school students is not a good mix. Use of the facility before school and after 6 pm most evennings can be a possibility.
Presently there is a committee meeting to discuss the use of the facility. Some major concerns are safety, security, and damage. Damage to the track or field is very expensive to repair, it is not the same as when the track was just dirt and the field was grass. But , yes the community must have fair and equitable use of this magnificent facility. Remember to vote for Tony Prado.