Platform Statement

By Richard F. Arroyo

I am a juvenile law attorney and for over 30 years have represented students who have committed crimes. My clients are students who have made bad decisions. I mentor, advise and educate students to do well in school, to not use drugs, to respect people and property, to make better decisions.

I work closely with law enforcement, mental health professionals and community resource agencies that specialize in helping students in trouble.

I am the immediate past president of the Chula Vista Rotary Club. Rotary is the largest service organization in the world, and for over nine years I have been performing community service throughout the South Bay. Our club has provided students of the district with scholarships and leadership camp programs.

As a parent of a daughter who graduated from the district, and who is now a teacher, I know the issues that both children and schools face. I will have a very close and positive relationship with teachers of the district. I will represent their needs, listen to their concerns, and demand that they be heard.

I have asked students, parents, teachers and administrators to share their views about the accomplishments of the District and the areas of concern. I have reached out to community activists who the old board tried to silent and ignore.

The number one issue facing the district is how to deal with the corruption that has permeated the board and administration. The selection of the new superintendent will be the cornerstone to stopping the corruption. Some other important issues facing students, parents and taxpayers are as follows:

A. Open boundaries policy unilaterally adopted without board approval

B. The deterioration of schools due to time and overcrowding

C. The spending of Mello-Roos tax money

D. The disposition of district owned real property

E. The need for a forensic audit to expose waste and misuse of money

F. The relocation of the district office

I will solve the issues facing the district by acting with compete integrity and honesty. I will reach out to the community and teachers for information, advice and guidance.

I am an independent thinker accountable only to the community and not to any special interests, particularly any union.

I am not a career politician. This will be the first time I have run for office. However, I have lived in Chula Vista for over 25 years and could not just stand by as the students and community suffers the repercussions of the pay to play scandal.

I am not part of the problem or connected to the district in anyway. I am part of the solution and the fresh start that our students, parents and teachers deserve.