| Written by Kenneth Miller, Managing Editor, on 03-14-2007 11:13 |
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As days closed in on the most critical Los Angeles Unified
School District (LAUSD) election on Tuesday March 6, the debate
on who decides for the African American community was resolved
when Black leaders and the final major endorsements were tabulated.
 In
the hotly contested District I board seat which represents
South Los Angeles incumbent Board Member Marguerite Poindexter
LaMotte received the overwhelming support of the region from
parents, residents and concerned citizens at multiple rally's,
meetings and gatherings-momentum that many expect would carry
her to reelection against her novice opponent Jonathan Williams.
"What I do know about her is that she will stand up and
fight for this community and with that she's got my vote,"
said Lavern Cross a voter in the district race.
Assembly member Mervyn M. Dymally (D-Compton), the leader
of the California Legislative Black Caucus announced that
organization has declared to unanimously support LaMotte in
the election for Seat 1 in Board District One.
"Ms. LaMotte has been a champion for our students and
our schools," Dymally said in a statement. "She's
a team player with a track record of proven successes. We
are wholeheartedly supporting her re-election to the School
Board."
While LaMotte is the clear cut choice among veteran elected
officials such as Dymally, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
has come under intense scrutiny of the Black Community for
joining with former Mayor Richard Riordon in an attempt to
rest control of the School Board by backing candidates favorable
to his agenda. The Mayor is supporting Williams.
"What I do know about Jonathan Williams is that he cares
about children and is good for education, but what I don't
know is if he's capable of best serving needs as a member
of the school board," said an anonymous source.
"The Mayor can not and will not be allowed to select
elected officials for the Black community in this election
or any other election. He's threading on dangerous waters
in doing so," said a prominent Black leader who requested
his named not be used.
LaMotte is also supported by the powerful United Teachers
of Los Angeles, but Villaraigosa has spearheaded a controlled
campaign committee named Partnership for Better Schools to
financially back his candidates.
Odessa Taylor, who has been employed by LAUSD for over 20
years, and supports LaMotte said, "Marguerite LaMotte
genuinely cares about the children of LAUSD; she believes
in the children and in the community. She is fighting to make
things better and to make things right for the children. Furthermore,
she is a staunch advocate for the children of LAUSD and I
support her."
Chrysanthemum James is a parent whose son attends one of the
LAUSD schools and she said, "My son is graduating because
the school has focused on his special needs which allowed
him to succeed. And I attribute his success to programs like
the independent study program in conjunction with the leadership
of the school board that Marguerite LaMotte is an integral
part of. I totally support her re-election to the (LAUSD)
school board."
Last update: 03-15-2007 12:09
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