Tomorrow, Monrovians and folks from the surrounding unincorporated neighborhoods go to the polls to select new members of the Monrovia Unified School District Board. There are four candidates for two seats, one of whihc is being left open by Chris Rich, who elected not to run again following years of dedicated (and often thankless service).
I encourage you to cast one of your votes for Terrence Williams.
Terrence has lived in the Monrovia area for 24 years. His kids have successfully matriculated through our schools, with two in college and one at MHS and one at Clifton Middle School– and he has been an active parent at every stop. In short, he knows what Monrovia’s schools need.
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He is dedicated, as he puts it, “to the 6,000 kids of Monrovia.” Often that is political-speak for “whatever the unions want.” That’s not Terrence. He’s a businessman and a man’s man. He looks you in the eye and tells you what he thinks, with the respect of a Southern Gentleman. You may not agree, but you’re still his friend, so long as you are striving to make our kids smarter, more capable and more ready for the world.
Terrence and I come from different life experiences and different political perspectives. In fact, he did not endorse my recent run for City Council. But I fully believe he is the best candidate for Monrovia’s schools.He comes with a depth of experience in the community and valuable connections through his active membership in groups like Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce. His experience as an active parent in the district is a huge plus, and, I submit, just as valuable as the experience of a teacher. He has the business acumen to make sense of these challenging financial times. But, perhaps most importantly, he can sit down and talk to people and make up his own mind about what's right for those 6,000 kids. And I say this knowing fully well that he will cast votes with which I disagree. But, I still firmly believe he will make the best board member.
This is a neither a criticism of either of the other candidates, nor a vote against anyone. I am impressed by Mr. Pomrehn's analytical skills, but really do not know the man. Incumbent Alex Zucco has served with exceptional dedication. Teacher Ruhiyyih N. Yuille has deep ties to the community.
Whomever you support with your other vote, I encourage you to cast your first for Terrence Williams, for the benefit of Monrovia's kids.