3 candidates withdraw from League of Woman Voters Manhattan Beach School Board Forum tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Mira Costa High School
by Kevin Cody
[UPDATE] Three of the six candidates running for three open seats on the Manhattan Beach School Board announced yesterday they will not participate in a candidate forum tonight, Wednesday, September 21, hosted by the League of Women Voters and Easy Reader.
In a statement posted on the South Bay Open Facebook page, candidate Johnny Uriostegui wrote, “The Trifecta has decided not to participate n the LWV forum…” The “Trifecta” candidates are Johnny Uriostegui, Mike Welsh and Barnes.
Uriogsegui cites restrictions on criticisms as the reason for not participating. “We have come to the conclusion that by limiting out discussion regarding the school board, this forum is doing exactly what we are trying to change; not allowing for civil conversation that differs from the current sitting board.”
District enrollment, spending of Measure A parcel tax revenue, and campus culture are among the subjects expected to be discussed by the three candidates, who have indicated they will participate.
They are incumbent Jen Fenton, and challengers Tina Shivpuri, and Wysh Weinstein. MBUSD Board of Education President Sally Austin Peel, and board member Jen Cochran are not seeking reelection.
The forum took place at the Mira Costa High School Small Theater, and was Zoomed live on EasyReaderNews.com. Video of the forum is hosted on EasyReaderNews.com for future viewing. The Manhattan Beach School Board elections will be held Tuesday, November 8, along with the Statewide general election.
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