Francisco Dominguez Candidacy

Re “Oxnard School Trustee to Challenge Flynn,” Dec. 11.

Francisco Dominguez is going to run against Supervisor John Flynn, saying he fears the supervisors want to continue business as usual. Just look at Mr. Dominguez’s record as a trustee of the Oxnard school district.

As president, Mr. Dominguez gained quite a reputation for trying to conduct business in closed session without allowing members of the audience to speak when the appointment of the superintendent was on the agenda. Fortunately he did not succeed and Richard Duarte was appointed superintendent.

Mr. Dominguez has been on the “winning” side of the split vote to choose the controversial Emerson Avenue school site and of the split vote to withhold information from the public about this site contamination study. The safety of our students is the most important issue to address in siting a school. The public is entitled to a full discussion of any potential danger on a site. Board actions under the leadership of Mr. Dominguez have led to a lawsuit by the Environmental Defense Center to obtain the study.

We want a county supervisor who respects the people he represents, as Supervisor Flynn does. If that is “business as usual,” we prefer that. We do not want improper secret sessions to conduct the public business or stonewalling to keep essential information from the public, especially when it may be to protect a developer.

MARTIN JONES

Vice Chairman

Neighborhood Council

Program 3630

Oxnard