Poway Candidates Forum
The GVCA, in conjunction with the Poway Chamber of Commerce, will hold a forum for the candidates for Mayor, City Council and PUSD School Board. Please join us for this important informational event.
Watch the Forum
PUSD School Board Candidates
Poway City Council Candidates
Poway Mayoral Candidates
Pre-Forum Questionnaire: Candidate Reponses
Candidates were given a pre-forum questionnaire to answer prior to the Candidates Forum. Below you will find their answers. Please scroll down to view all candidates' responses which were limited to 500 characters, not including spaces.
MAYOR
YURI BOHLEN
How long have you lived in Poway? 10 and a half years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience or skills (i.e., profession, volunteer involvement in the community) that are important qualifications for serving as the Mayor of Poway. I have been involved in activities in Poway since 1991 as a teenager going fishing with my father at Poway Lake. I was very active going to the community church thrift shops at the carriage center as a patron as well as donating cloths and furniture and household items to the various shops that provided affordable items to the community which in turn provided services and food and shelter for people in need like families with children and seniors. In the mid 90s I worked at McDonalds on Poway Road as the assistant Manager and people still remember me from there today. I have worked at a local pharmacy - -
Why are you seeking this office? I am seeking the office of Mayor of Poway for many reasons I want to make a difference in my community with more communication between the city and its residents. I want our city to get back to its original ideals and why it was incorporated on December 1st, 1980, as the city in the country. Whether you were born here or moved here we all chose to live here for many of the same reasons to not be like every other big city with traffic and congestion. To live in a family friendly community where people of all faiths and races live as one. I want to preserve the beauty of Poway by keeping our open spaces and our sce - -
How should the city engage the community to ensure that the scope and details of future new development projects in Poway are communicated clearly to residents? If elected Mayor of Poway I will create a new committee. The Residential District review committee that will meet once a month at city hall to discuss the issues in all four districts of new developments projects in Poway as well as existing ones and any other concerns or issues from members of the community. Why my district review committee will be different and more successful than other committees is there will not be appointments for the respective districts everyone will have equal say in the community.
What do you believe the role of the Mayor should be in the development and support of the city of Poway? The role of the mayor in development and support of the city should include insuring moderate growth and thoroughly vetting potential developers in future projects. Supporting our Fire department and Sheriff's department by increasing annual budgets 1-5% accordingly depending on factors like revenue and budget and deficits by eliminating wasteful spending like consulting fees on various projects and issues. We have good people working at city hall who can share their ideas and opinions why pay a firm six figures to tell us what to do.
If you could change one thing to our zoning code, what would it be and why? Many of our zoning laws were decided in the 1980s at a time when our population was considerably smaller, and the growth of our city had not yet been fully planned out. One of the codes is 17.26.720 Density bonus, incentive or concession housing agreement required. It is a loophole for increased housing with a small percentage for affordable units.
List your top priorities as the Mayor of Poway: #1 Stop the over development of Poway due to the housing mandates of Sacramento that are not based on actual needs and availability but simply quotas. Each city should base there housing needs assessment on an individual basis without disrupting the quality of life of its residents. #2 Expand senior services and programs for our senior community. One out of every six residents Is 65 or older. We need more programs to feed and check up on our seniors many of whom are widows. I would like there to be more activities at the Mickey Cafagna center 7 days a week 9-5 schedule #3 Homeless prevention our city - -
DELTA ESPARZA
How long have you lived in Poway? I have lived in Poway for over 3 years, and I have lived in the surrounding area (less than a mile) for 13 years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience or skills (i.e., profession, volunteer involvement in the community) that are important qualifications for serving as the Mayor of Poway. I have been in the defense industry for over 18 years. I work on complex products used to serve and protect our military, country, and international allies. As a Software Engineering Manager, I solve challenging problems and make difficult decisions. I have managed teams, projects, and multi-million-dollar contracts successfully. I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, and I also earned a Master’s in Systems Engineering while working full time.
Why are you seeking this office? I bought my forever home in Poway almost 4 years ago and I am not happy with the direction that the town is heading. I do not see a vision that makes sense for Poway, especially in the area of development, nor do I see investments being made to improve the quality of life for Powegians. I am running for Mayor of Poway because I want a better version of Poway while keeping its old charm and character.
How should the city engage the community to ensure that the scope and details of future new development projects in Poway are communicated clearly to residents? Aside from city council meetings, I would like to see on-going town halls to discuss development efforts that impact Powegians.
What do you believe the role of the Mayor should be in the development and support of the city of Poway? The community desires to keep the “City in the Country” feel for Poway. The role of the Mayor, in the area of development, is to maintain both the town’s character and quality of life. The Mayor should embrace the past while setting a vision for Poway’s future.
If you could change one thing to our zoning code, what would it be and why? Increase setbacks to control growth, improve traffic safety and visibility, allow for landscaping, and improve safety for pedestrians by not being so close to traffic.
List your top priorities as the Mayor of Poway: • Good Governance – Ensure Powegians are represented, included, and advocated for on city matters that impact their quality of life. Ensure city council is transparent, honest, and accountable on city matters. Enact term limits & a Board of Ethics. • Development - Stop the influence of developers at City Hall. Implement a moratorium on new development. Update city plans to ensure future development meets the needs of the community, preserves our open space, and reflects our vision for our city. • Climate Action - Generate a Climate Action Plan to move towards a greener and cost effective future for generations to come.
STEVE VAUS
How long have you lived in Poway? My wife, Corrie and I got married and moved to Poway in 1993 - twenty-nine years ago! We’ve lived in the same house ever since. Our kids, Anna and Jacob, grew up here and went through the Poway school system. We’ve ridden our horses on Poway’s trails; walked our dogs on Poway’s streets; played with our kids in Poway’s parks; hiked and biked through Poway’s vast open spaces. All to say we haven’t just lived here… we’ve LIVED here!
List your specific personal and/or professional experience or skills (i.e., profession, volunteer involvement in the community) that are important qualifications for serving as the Mayor of Poway. A record of volunteer service and community involvement is the only way to become truly prepared to serve on City Council or as Mayor. Prior to joining the council in 2012 I volunteered as a Poway Reserve Park Ranger with the mounted patrol. I also served a term as Chair of the City’s Budget Review Committee and I was Executive Director of the Poway Community Leadership Institute. Before being elected Mayor I served two years on city council.
Why are you seeking this office? 2022 is the first time in 26 years we will have two open seats on City Council up for election due to the retirement of Councilmember John Mullin and Councilmember Dave Grosch. The City is in their debt for their faithful and selfless service. But with their departure we face a critical time that requires a steady and experienced hand on the rudder. That is the only way Poway will continue to be ranked as the safest city in the county, the best place to raise a family, the city with the best roads, and the city that is best prepared, in every respect, for future generations.
How should the city engage the community to ensure that the scope and details of future new development projects in Poway are communicated clearly to residents? We’ve made great strides going above and beyond legal requirements for notification by expanding who we notify. Additionally we have a full-time Public Information Officer to push information out via every means possible: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, NextDoor; traditional media; and a newsletter. Residents can sign up for our NOTIFY ME emails. We have updated the City’s web site, making it easier to connect with information and/or individuals for answers to virtually any question related to the City. As communication methods have evolved we have as well and we will continue to do so.
What do you believe the role of the Mayor should be in the development and support of the city of Poway? The Mayor wears many hats - meeting moderator, ambassador, cheerleader, negotiator and sometimes much more. Consider the events of just the last four years: following the tragic 2019 Poway synagogue shooting I represented Poway before media from around the world; during the pandemic I created programs (Poway Emergency Assistance Recovery Loans for local businesses; our Picnic table program for restaurants; and more) that literally saved businesses, and those they employ, from financial ruin. In short, the Mayor must have the experience and expertise to handle any circumstance.
If you could change one thing to our zoning code, what would it be and why? I’d tell Sacramento bureaucrats to keep their hands off our City’s zoning! Their one-size-fits-all approach to housing density threatens our community character. A perfect example - a project that was before Council in July of this year. Using a Sacramento loophole, an out-of-town developer wanted to build 20 houses on a small parcel zoned for only 15 homes. I voted NO but the project was approved. As long as Sacramento keeps usurping our local authority and giving developers “get-out-jail-free cards” we will see more high density projects. We MUST do everything in our power to stop them.
List your top priorities as the Mayor of Poway: Keep Poway safe. Keep Poway family-friendly. Keep Poway ready for the next generation.
EMEKA IBEKWE
How long have you lived in Poway? 5 years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience or skills (i.e., profession, volunteer involvement in the community) that are important qualifications for serving as the Mayor of Poway. Business ownership and management, charity and nonprofit drives, MBA, Professional Engineer P.E., Real Estate license and knowledge, sales skills, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, solving problems from the root, people skills / interpersonal skills: communication, conflict management, empathy, leadership, listening, negotiation, teamwork, positive attitude.
Why are you seeking this office? Mayor of Poway
How should the city engage the community to ensure that the scope and details of future new development projects in Poway are communicated clearly to residents? Have regular meetings with people of Poway to ensure the ideas and concerns of people are considered during decision making. The use of several communication/collaboration tools/media designed to be inclusive can be employed to capture everyones sentiments on issues as new development projects are implemented.
What do you believe the role of the Mayor should be in the development and support of the city of Poway? Mayor should have a leadership and managerial role ensuring that Poway resident opinions and sentiments are protected.
If you could change one thing to our zoning code, what would it be and why? Review the current zoning code and ensure that desired effect of regulating the use land, buildings and structures, height & size of buildings, population density. dwelling per acre, standards of performance are met to the satisfaction of the residents of Poway especially for future projects.
List your top priorities as the Mayor of Poway:Make the residents of Poway feel engaged and included in all issues especially those new development projects, existing projects and zoning.
BHAVANA KANSAL
CITY COUNCIL
BRIAN PEPIN, City Council District 1
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? 5 years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience or skills (i.e., profession, volunteer involvement in the community) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway City Council. I'm a Poway small business owner as well as the former Chairman of the Poway Chamber of Commerce and former Chairman of the Poway Budget Review Committee. I'm also a member of Poway Kiwanis & Poway Elks.
Why are you seeking this office? I'm raising my family here and will spend the rest of my life in Poway. I'm running for City Council because I want to keep Poway a safe, clean, family-friendly community for my kids to grow up in. Poway is ranked as the safest city in San Diego County and I want to keep it that way; that's why I have the support of every public safety group in town, including the Poway Firefighters' Association, Deputy Sheriffs' Association & San Diego Police Officers' Association.
How should the city engage the community to ensure that the scope and details of future new development projects in Poway are communicated clearly to residents? The city must do a better job explaining how decisions at City Hall will impact the lives of residents. The city can do a better job to proactively inform residents via phone, mail, and digital communications when important decisions are coming up.
What do you believe the role of the city council should be in the development and support of the city of Poway? The city council should always put our residents first. That means the council should take action to reduce traffic, improve our neighborhoods, and ensure Poway families will continue to experience the great quality-of-life that our city has always been known for.
If you could change one thing to our zoning code, what would it be and why? I would make sure that the design of anything in the future fits the character of Poway. Specifically, I would ensure that setbacks are established.
List your top priorities as a Poway City Council member: My priorities will be to keep Poway safe, support firefighters and police, and maintain our roads, parks and other infrastructure that Poway families rely on every day.
HIRAM SOTO, City Council District 1
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? Seven years of raising my family in Poway in the beautiful community of The Palisades.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience or skills (i.e., profession, volunteer involvement in the community) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway City Council. I’m a member of the Poway Historical Society and volunteer. I oversee marketing for sustainable energy programs for a national nonprofit organization. I spent 10 years as a reporter at the San Diego Union-Tribune. I worked for a federal government contractor. My experience includes working with the FBI to help increase trust between communities of color and federal law enforcement. I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, which means I can communicate with people from different backgrounds.
Why are you seeking this office?I believe local government, as imperfect as it is, plays a critical role in people’s lives. I began my campaign focused on issues (visit hiramsoto.com for more.) Since then I’ve learned that issues are just as important as the people who represent us. Will voters choose a political / developer consultant who pushes lies and misinformation for a living, or a former reporter who lives by the values of truth, openness, transparency and integrity? Voters will decide on Nov. 8.
How should the city engage the community to ensure that the scope and details of future new development projects in Poway are communicated clearly to residents? Powegians are proud of their city and care deeply about its open spaces and trails. They cherish Poway’s beautiful rural ambience. Unfortunately, residents feel blindsided by the out-of-control influence developers have on City Council. More than engaging residents with the “scope and details of future new developments,” the city should partner with residents to craft a new path forward anchored in open spaces and trails, sustainability, technology, housing affordability and livable communities.
What do you believe the role of the city council should be in the development and support of the city of Poway? The City Council sets the strategic direction for the city, and should serve as the voice of their constituents. When you speak with neighbors in District 1, it becomes clear the City Council’s strategic direction does not represent the voice of their constituents. This disconnect has undermined trust between elected officials and the residents they represent. The City Council needs to revisit its strategic direction in a collaborative, honest, open and transparent way.
If you could change one thing to our zoning code, what would it be and why? Development in Poway is driven by developers who prioritize profit over long-term planning because our current plans are outdated, inconsistent and unbalanced, leading to undesirable development that’s out of sync with the character of the city and concentrated in the south part of the city. One zoning code issue that's important to revisit is the setbacks on Poway Road. They are out of character with the city.
List your top priorities as a Poway City Council member: 1) Stop the out-of-control influence of developers in Poway; 2) Pass an energy savings plan to help the city move away from dirty and expensive fossil fuels and toward cheaper and cleaner sustainable energy; 3) As a former reporter, ensure our city is open, honest and transparent. More info at hiramsoto.com.
PETER DE HOFF, City Council, District 3
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? 9 years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience or skills (i.e., profession, volunteer involvement in the community) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway City Council. I am a Scientist at UCSD. Vice Chair, Budget Review Committee, 3 years of service. 12 years of engagement with the City on a variety of issues from water rates, to voter districts, to housing project transparency. Worked with City to adopt the International Dark Sky Association lighting regulations.
Why are you seeking this office? To help keep Poway the same type of place for which I moved my family to Poway more than 12 years ago: A safe, family oriented city with great schools, open spaces, plenty of local amenities, and a balanced budget.
How should the city engage the community to ensure that the scope and details of future new development projects in Poway are communicated clearly to residents? While Poway currently goes beyond California standards in the notification area and lead time, more prominent notification (larger ads) in the Chieftain could increase reach. Also, an online notification system, for example a section on the city website with social media alerts to changes there, could help in informing residents of upcoming developments. It may be helpful to cite the specific state assembly and senate bills that are being used by developers to circumvent local zoning ordinances.
What do you believe the role of the city council should be in the development and support of the city of Poway? The City Council ensures that the City Government maintains a laser focus on its core activities of public safety, smooth roads, and quality amenities for the residents, and does not engage in unneeded financial or regulatory excursions. Regarding development: The administrative arm of the city ensures project compliance with the zoning as laid out in the general plan and its overlays. Variances of significance are brought before the council to ensure sufficient community benefit has been gained in the exchange.
If you could change one thing to our zoning code, what would it be and why? Eliminate first floor residential development in Mixed Use zones. With commercial occupancy around 97%, additional commercial real estate will help support small businesses to locate here and diversify Poway’s tax base. This would also better align the PRSP MU overlay with the common understanding of “mixed use” to mean a first floor of light commercial with multiple residential levels above.
List your top priorities as a Poway City Council member: Keep Poway Safe, Protect Open Space, Improve Local/Senior Amenities, Support Youth Sports, Oppose High Density Development, Respect Private Property Rights
KEVIN JUZA, City Council, District 3
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? 6 years, purchased in 2016.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience or skills (i.e., profession, volunteer involvement in the community) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway City Council. I have worked in large Fortune 500 companies and managed budgets over $50 Million dollars. I have opened my own retail business and operated multiple locations. I am currently an executive coach that works with Chief Operations Officers lead with more authenticity and purpose. In addition, I am a Sales and Operational Consultant that helps startups build successful inside sales teams. I have been the President of the Turtleback Elementary and Twin Peaks Middle School’s foundations, and currently, I am the Treasurer at the Poway High Foundation. In these roles, I have to work with the comm - -
Why are you seeking this office? I am seeking the City Council seat to bring an independent voice that will add to a thorough and deliberate conversations. I want to bring the City Council a fresh view of what the community wants to be developed in our city moving forward.
How should the city engage the community to ensure that the scope and details of future new development projects in Poway are communicated clearly to residents? I would like more transparency and additional community working sessions to review and understand any major developments. In addition, when any major changes that impacts the developments, like setbacks and height restrictions, should be approved by the City Council in open sessions.
What do you believe the role of the city council should be in the development and support of the city of Poway? The City Council's role is to set the policy and zoning to ensure it fits within the established city’s plans. The plans should be reviewed in a timely rotation. The city council needs an approved Climate Action Plan and a thoughtful Housing Element Plan that addresses the need for affordable housing to support the businesses in Poway. If the city doesn’t have the appropriate plans, then they let developers and outside entities direct how our city gets designed and developed.
If you could change one thing to our zoning code, what would it be and why? The business park zoning is great, having that located away from most of the residential homes and close enough to support the business of Poway. I would see how we could bring bus service up to those businesses to support all the housing coming to Poway Road and easy access to a job in Poway. Any developments in the business park should work toward adding more sidewalks so people can walk safer around the business park.
List your top priorities as a Poway City Council member: 1) Fiscal Transparency – I would like to see the city budget be more transparent for the residents to understand where their tax dollars are spent. 2) Connect the city paths and trails. I would like to propose a community committee to work with the city to identify where we need additional trails and paths to make it easier to walk around our community. 3) Smarter Developments that represent the needs and wants of the community versus developers. It’s the city’s responsibility to set the zoning and use permits to ensure that when developers create their plans, they are within the guidelines to en - -
TONY RUSSO, City Council, District 3
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? Since 1978 Family Home.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience or skills (i.e., profession, volunteer involvement in the community) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway City Council. Small Business Owner. Advocate for families, seniors and small business owners. Employed by PUSD as a character coach to help with kids at Garden Rd. Elementary School. Volunteer Coach and manager of Poway National Little league and Flag football 360.
Why are you seeking this office? To listen and be the voice for everyone that calls Poway there home and not special interest groups. To make Poway a place where we all can thrive and be proud of no matter what district we live in. Revisit the concerns that Powegian's share about our high-water rates, traffic problems and bad costly decisions that have been made that affect our growth of our city in the country.
How should the city engage the community to ensure that the scope and details of future new development projects in Poway are communicated clearly to residents? The City Council should announce in advance to the public any interest that may want to conduct business in Poway. Anything from a mom and pop to a corporation. For larger projects that can take 2-3 years or longer. The Council should have multiple workshops and interactions with the community for updates and changes. This would allow for community to have a clear input. The city should also announce any unforeseen barriers that arise to the public in a reasonable amount of time. This would allow the community to be aware of issues and give an opportunity for input in handling such issues.
What do you believe the role of the city council should be in the development and support of the city of Poway? I believe that the council should have a proactive approach in helping small businesses succeed and not just focus on the larger big corporations. The city should take the approach of looking at true needs for the citizens of Poway. Overseeing projects from start to finish to avoid costly mistakes. As a councilmember I plan on addressing the major issues that we are dealing with such as water rates, traffic improvement, and being a voice for the people of Poway!
If you could change one thing to our zoning code, what would it be and why? To slow down the high density building in the heart of the city. We should have been better prepared for the impact that can occur when trying to grow too fast. We see it every day driving down the heart of Poway Road with projects that have been stalled for over 4 years. Affecting our businesses and residents with heavy traffic and inconvenient delays.
List your top priorities as a Poway City Council member: To address the miscues that have been made and allow for prosperity and growth for all of Poway. Prioritize open dialogue with small businesses that need true assistance. Reexamine the increases in the water rates. Bring businesses that allow our families to stay and play in Poway.
PUSD SCHOOL BOARD
FRIDA BUNZELL, PUSD School Board, Area B
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? 3.5 years. I lived in PUSD since 2001.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience (i.e., schools your children attend(ed), volunteer roles in PUSD, profession, etc.) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway Unified School District Board of Education. I have a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and worked in R&D for 10+ years. I also have advanced language certificates in German and French. I have lived in PQ, 4S Ranch and Poway and my three children have attended seven different PUSD schools. I have been an elected member on several PTA boards at levels up to SD county, including two terms as President of Palomar Council PTA. As an immigrant who has lived in four countries, I bring a unique perspective to the board.
Why are you seeking this office? My interest in PUSD started when my child struggled to learn to read. I realized that there are efficient and evidence-based methods to teach a child to read that were not being used and I have successfully advocated for their implementation ever since. I want to make sure this work continues. Because of my children’s experiences, I am also passionate about making sure that every child feels safe, welcomed and valued at school, thus I want to ensure that PUSD’s equity and inclusion program continues. I know that with better data analysis, we can make better decisions and use taxpayer’s money mo - -
What do you think the relationship between the School Board and the Superintendent should be? The school board is responsible for hiring and evaluating the superintendent. The board creates the vision, priorities and goals and the superintendent is responsible for the implementation. The relationship should be of mutual respect and courtesy. I believe board members need to balance being a team member and an independent thinker, and use their voice to represent the community.
What do consider the primary role of a PUSD School Board member to be? I believe our primary role is to be the voice of the community. A board member needs to confirm that funds are spent effectively and in a way to best serve the students.
List your top priorities as a PUSD School Board Member: 1) Literacy for all: reading scores need to improve and I have experience in how to solve this problem. 2) Better access to mental health services. The district has resources, but parents struggle to access them. 3) Do more to prevent bullying because it is important that students feel safe and respected at school. 4) Financial accountability: tax money should go towards smaller class sizes and enhanced curriculum, not lawsuits.
GINGER COUVRETTE, PUSD School Board, Area B
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? 26 years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience (i.e., schools your children attend(ed), volunteer roles in PUSD, profession, etc.) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway Unified School District Board of Education. My three kids started Preschool at Chaparral, attended Twin Peaks and graduated from Poway High School. I was a credentialed high school science teacher and coached many sports. Currently, I own Halcyon Real Estate in the Poway Business Park. I worked with PYSL for 10 years recruiting and supporting 100s of volunteers. I raised $60,000 for Special Needs with Jack-O-Smash. I was Room mom 17 times and still doing Chaparral Thanksgiving Baskets, Chairman of the City’s Budget Comm. and Parks and Rec Comm, Pres. of the Poway Sports Assoc. lighting Arbolitos and turfing Valley and Meadowbrook.
Why are you seeking this office? Post pandemic, we must focus on the fundamentals. PUSD must challenge all students and provide each with pathways to success. Academic excellence as well as exposure to high wage, high demand career opportunities need to be expanded. My passion is Career Technical Education (Vocational) such as Fire Safety, Graphic Design, Engineering, Auto, etc. I want to build on partnerships with Palomar College to expand dual enrollment and add more articulated classes towards an AA degree during high school.
What do you think the relationship between the School Board and the Superintendent should be? The School Board must hold the Superintendent accountable for establishing the procedures and protocols for safety, services, management, training, and curriculum. The Board has the ear to the needs of the community and must research and address issues. With a budget of over $450 million, we are trusted with the tax money of the community and must be fiscally responsible, so every dollar is used to its highest potential. With agreed upon objectives, we must support her as she works to improve the educational experience of every student.
What do consider the primary role of a PUSD School Board member to be? The main role is to hold the Superintendent accountable. PUSD covers about 100 square miles. Four years ago we divided into 5 districts so each area is better represented. That said, our job is also to listen to our community and bring concerns to the Superintendent and Cabinet. I have a solid relationship with the City of Poway which we have many joint use agreements and work together to support our families. I have volunteered with many groups and work to be approachable and responsive.
List your top priorities as a PUSD School Board Member: Focus on the fundamentals: 1. Academic Excellence 2. Increase cooperation and coordination with parents, students, teacher, staff, community members, City of Poway and Chamber of Commerce 3. Establishing consistent and clear safety procedures so all students and parents are confident. 4. Fiscal responsibility and transparency 5. Pathways for success, Career and Technical Education so all students are motivated with relevant content to ensure success after graduation. Pursue dual enrollment opportunities.
DAVE NELSON, PUSD School Board, Area B
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? 6 years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience (i.e., schools your children attend(ed), volunteer roles in PUSD, profession, etc.) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway Unified School District Board of Education. Husband and Father of two daughters. Anika graduated from Poway High 2022. Now attends University of Alabama for her law degree. Ava is in 10th grade at Poway High. She is involved in the school via Tennis and is currently taking AP Classes. Navy Veteran - acquired one of the highest security clearances offered in Navy Intelligence. I served in Europe, California and Florida during the Cold War. This experience led to numerous applicable benefits such as leadership development, hands-on applications, collaboration, widened perspectives, transferable skills, enhanced critical thinki - -
Why are you seeking this office? The year 2020 really opened my eyes to the decreased level of education being taught to our children. Watching over my daughters' shoulders during the online classes and finding out what they were actually learning in school forced difficult dinner table discussions with the girls. These discussions were about resetting our daughters' belief systems back to faith, courage and respect. What I realized is over the last 10 - 15 years it seems most of us trusted the school systems to educate our children. Somewhere along the way the school system has decided they were the parents of our students. - -
What do you think the relationship between the School Board and the Superintendent should be? The relationship between school board and superintendent is two parts. That of a liaison between parents and students to the Superintendent. The school board sets the objectives, goals and policies of the district then holds the superintendent accountable for reaching those objectives.
What do consider the primary role of a PUSD School Board member to be? That of a liaison between parents and students to the Superintendent. The school board sets the objectives, goals and policies of the district then holds the superintendent accountable for reaching those objectives.
List your top priorities as a PUSD School Board Member: Top priorities for School Board members is to bring the parents back into the discussions for their students. Over the last 3 years Poway parents have been attempting to communicate with the schools. The school board and the Superintendent have been ignoring them and implementing programs against the parents' will. Currently there is a gender survey being given to our students as low as 6th grade. An article published May 2022 exposes that the survey is asking children who they hang out with. It also requests the student name and lists the race and gender of each child. The survey is 31 questions, some of which are about ‘equity,” and others are about students willingness to speak out against “racism” and “homophobia.” 21 of the 31 question - -
PATRICK BATTEN, PUSD School Board, Area C
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? More than 20 years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience (i.e., schools your children attend(ed), volunteer roles in PUSD, profession, etc.) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway Unified School District Board of Education. Westwood Elementary, Chaparral Elementary, Los Penasquitos Academy, Bernardo Heights Middle School, Rancho Bernardo High School and Westwood High School. I currently serve on the Rancho Bernardo Community Council, Rancho Bernardo Planning Group, Rancho Bernardo Recreational Advisory Council, San Diego Consolidated Planning Advisory Board. I have been involved with my children as they have grown up volunteering as a little league, soccer and football coach. I have consistently volunteered at our children's schools when able. However, I have been deployed as a U.S. Marine to Iraq - -
Why are you seeking this office? As a parent with children in the district, I want to make sure that all children continue to receive a world-class education. We are facing many challenges in the future and we need a strong leader that can manage these tough situations. Our schools are aging and need significant maintenance and capital improvements. It is clear that the voters are concerned about giving the school district more tax dollars through a bond. Therefore, we need a strong leader with fiscal responsibility to make difficult decisions. As a Marine, I have made tough decisions throughout my career and will use this ex- -
What do you think the relationship between the School Board and the Superintendent should be? The Superintendent and school board should have a close working relationship with respect and a mutual understanding. However, there will be times when disagreement arises. Trust and respect will be needed to carry through those periods. The school board represents the entire district and must take all concerns into consideration for decision making.
What do consider the primary role of a PUSD School Board member to be? To ensure that children are educated and prepared to compete in the global economy.
List your top priorities as a PUSD School Board Member: I will focus on being "Brilliant at the Basics." Our children’s education must concentrate on Reading, Writing and Arithmetic to prepare them to compete in the global economy. Not all students will go to college, but all students must be prepared for their future. I will seek expand vocational education opportunities. I will support teachers as they are the key to the success of our children. We must provide a safe and engaging atmosphere to foster learning and growth.
HEATHER PLOTZKE, PUSD School Board, Area C
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? Enrolled in PUSD 2016, Purchased home 2017.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience (i.e., schools your children attend(ed), volunteer roles in PUSD, profession, etc.) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway Unified School District Board of Education. My kids have attended Midland Elementary, Los Penasquitos Elementary, Bernardo Heights Middle School, Oak Valley Middle School, Rancho Bernardo High School, and Del Norte High School. My family has been and continues to be members of the PTSA at every school my children have attended. When they were in Elementary school I volunteered in their rooms for class parties, etc. In 2017, I became a voting member of the Community Advisory Committee to the Board of Education (for special needs), often referred to as the CAC. I have served the last three years as Co-Chair and Now Chair. I have 30 years Bu - -
Why are you seeking this office? My family and I decided that I needed to run this past Spring, when the amount of turmoil and hate spread like wild fire at the Board of Education meetings from all sides and around the district area in general. Although you cannot address comments in the public section of meetings, doesn't meant that they should never be publicly addressed. That kind of divisiveness was carrying over into the schools, where bullying and fights were becoming more common than ever before; children were not afraid to show outward hatred towards each other in away that had never been the case before. My husband and I - -
What do you think the relationship between the School Board and the Superintendent should be? The Superintendent is responsible for following the mission statement and vision that was setup by the Board of Education. In other words, the Superintendent and their staff follows through on the curriculum and policy approved by the Board of Education. The Superintendent reports directly to the Board. The Board gets a direct briefing weekly on what is happening around the district through the lens of the Superintendent's team; it is up the Trustee's to verify those views on their own though.
What do consider the primary role of a PUSD School Board member to be? I believe the Primary role is to be the overall oversight and control analyst for everything that the district staff is recommending and currently doing; as well as being the direct manager of Superintendent and their teams. They do not only vote on policy presented to them by the Superintendent, but they need to question everything from the eyes of all the stakeholders. To be able to achieve these roles a Board Member needs to be out visiting sites, talking to staff at all levels, talking to parents those that agree and those don't with them and the district's current direction, and they need to b- -
List your top priorities as a PUSD School Board Member: • Finding a way for PUSD to overcome the current hiring staff crisis without outsourcing temporary positions. This is bleeding the district both financially and with the morale of the employees • Making sure that mental health professionals hired in with COVID funding and being maintaining through the COVID grants and the one-time California budget package, are continually funded for years to come for both mainstream and special education students at every grade level. • Let teachers teach, and getting all staff, classified and certified alike, the training they request and need, to ens - -
JANET BREMSETH, PUSD School Board, Area D
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? 14 years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience (i.e., schools your children attend(ed), volunteer roles in PUSD, profession, etc.) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway Unified School District Board of Education. Grandchildren attends Del Norte and Stone Ranch schools . I volunteer on the Board in the community I live in. I was also a Director of Community Relations at Marymount College in Palos Verdes, CA.
Why are you seeking this office? It is time for a bipartisan effort to get back to the basics of education.
What do you think the relationship between the School Board and the Superintendent should be? I think the relationship should be transparent.
What do consider the primary role of a PUSD School Board member to be? To ensure education does not have a political goal.
List your top priorities as a PUSD School Board Member: Financial stability and getting back to the traditional educational values
MICHELLE O'CONNOR RATCLIFF, PUSD School Board, Area D
How long have you lived in the Poway district you are seeking to represent? 32 years.
List your specific personal and/or professional experience (i.e., schools your children attend(ed), volunteer roles in PUSD, profession, etc.) that are important qualifications for serving on the Poway Unified School District Board of Education. As an alumna of PUSD, daughter of two retired PUSD teachers, and parent of two current PUSD students, I am deeply invested in the continued excellence of our district. I hold degrees from Stanford University and UC Hastings Law and teach Business Law at the University of San Diego. I currently volunteer in my children’s schools as a PTA Board Member, Theater Booster, and Student Mental Health Committee member. I’m also a certified Special Education Advocate and a former elected member of the Rancho Penasquitos Town Council. I have spent my first two terms as a School Board member building up a h - -
Why are you seeking this office? I grew up in Poway Unified and graduated from Mt. Carmel HS. My parents were both teachers in the district. When I was first elected to the School Board eight years ago, my children were just beginning their school journeys. They’re now in 8th and 10th grades. It’s because of them and my long history in this community that I’m invested in the continued excellence of our district. I am a passionate advocate for public education. During my first 2 terms, I’ve helped start some great work in Poway Unified, and I want to see it through. My work on the School Board has led to important shifts in Poway Unifie - -
What do you think the relationship between the School Board and the Superintendent should be? Communication, teamwork, and accountability are the keys to this relationship. The School Board must work with the Superintendent as a member of the governance team to create a vision and goals for the district. The Board and Superintendent must continually strive to understand changing circumstances and priorities from each team member's perspective and adjust plans accordingly. The Board must trust the Superintendent to implement the joint vision and goals, with frequent communication, input, and accountability benchmarks to ensure joint understanding of progress.
What do consider the primary role of a PUSD School Board member to be? The primary roles of a School Board member are to oversee the governance of the district on behalf of the whole community, to keep the district focus on what's best for students, and to be a passionate advocate for public education. The more frequently a Board member communicates with stakeholders-- parents, staff, administrators, and students-- the better. This ensures that priorities and policies reflect respectful, cooperative, transparent governance.
List your top priorities as a PUSD School Board Member:My top priorities boil down to continuing the positive momentum I've helped build in the district. There is still work to be done. I’ll keep putting our children first until every student feels safe, valued, engaged, challenged, and successful. More specifically, this includes continuing work to build spaces and a culture of belonging for all students, expanding inclusive practices so all students can access challenging curriculum, prioritizing student mental health supports by maintaining current elevated levels made possible by COVID funding, and advocating for additional ongo - -