ORANGE : 6 School Candidates Present Platforms

The six candidates vying for two seats on the Orange Unified School District Board of Trustees presented their platforms this week before about 60 parents and other community members at a political forum.

The candidates answered questions from the audience on such topics as fiscal accountability and educational philosophy and agreed that among the school board’s top priorities should be restoring fiscal stability and public confidence in the district.

Most described themselves as fiscal conservatives, and most criticized the board’s approval of a controversial property fee to pay for the upkeep of school recreational facilities. The board rescinded the fee after a public outcry.

Incumbent Russell Barrios, 45, and challenger Robert Viviano, 59, a businessman and educator, will face off for the Area 6 seat that represents downtown Orange and part of Santa Ana. Viviano lost a hard-fought race against Barrios in 1987.

Competing for the Area 2 seat are Maureen Aschoff, 46, a librarian for the Villa Park branch of the Orange County Public Library; Lawrence Labrado, 52, a businessman and educator; Daniel Matranga, 44, an independent insurance agent, and John McCain, 50, a businessman. The area, which includes west Orange and part of Garden Grove, is now represented by Trustee Jeff Holstien, who is not seeking reelection.

In one of the only direct attacks on an opponent by any candidate, Viviano chastised Barrios for his participation in the plan to impose the property fee. Viviano alleged that Barrios had “fostered” the assessment and supported it until 350 people crowded the board room calling for the fee to be rescinded.

Concerning whether candidates should accept money from special interest groups, Labrado and Viviano, both backed by the district’s unions, said such support should be allowed.

Matranga, however blamed political action committees for putting “California in a state of quagmire and decline” and suggested a ceiling be imposed on special interest money. Barrios said he also supported a cap on such funds, and McCain opposed special interest money. Aschoff suggested that board members who have received money from special interests abstain from votes that would affect those groups.

A second candidates forum is set for Oct. 28. The election is Nov. 5.