The CitySpeak Forum began with talk about the May 18 vote on Measure 2-130 with Benton County Board of Commissioners Chair Xan Augerot and Benton County Interim Sheriff Jefri Van Arsdall. This measure is a levy to continue financial support for Benton County services.
This measure is the same tax levy which needs to be passed every five years, at the same level since 2007, in Benton County. For the sake of clarity, this levy would not increase the amount of tax anyone would pay per $1,000 of a home’s assessed value. The funds are used to pay for the Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Juvenile Department, District Attorney, and health services.
If the levy does not pass, Van Arsdall says that this office would need to cut several positions in the department, as well as losing the beds Benton County currently has reserved in the Linn County jail – which serve to ease overcrowding at Benton County Jail.
Currently, the Sheriff’s office runs with 88 sworn staff, which is an increase from 77 previously. Van Arsdall sees an absolute need to continue training his people, and sees work with Dannielle Brown the Behavioral Health Director of Benton County Health Department as an important step in developing mental health response teams much like those in the city of Corvallis.
When asked if the county could reduce the assessed amounts in light of what COVID-19 has done to many people’s income over 2020, Augerot said that aggregate incomes are up and income taxes are up. She sees that people are hurting on an individual household level, and said that the Board of Commissioners were looking to see if there was room to reduce some tax rates.
When asked if money could be saved on policing by spending more on mental health aid, Van Arsdall said the two go hand-in-hand which is why the county is looking at a dual response team. He then told a story about a resident in mental health crises who has been dealing with Benton County Sheriff’s office since 1997, and the Sheriffs have been about to assist this individual through a partnership with county mental health.
This brought up the question of partially defunding the Sheriff’s office and putting that money into early adolescent preventative mental health care. Van Arsdall prefers to look at the long term approach. “Like in 2007, when we didn’t have 24/7 patrols, folks weren’t always feeling safe,” he said.
Augerot agreed, saying the county needs a balance of accountability and treatment.
If voters say no to this levy, then the board will come back with another proposal, although how it would differ from the current levy isn’t known at this time. Van Arsdall did say that he worked in the county back when “at 2:00 a.m. there was no law enforcement in the county.” The implication being that 24/7 Sheriff patrols are something that would be on the chopping block should the levy fail.
Also facing Benton County is a Justice Levy next year, although that measure will be asking for a bond to build a new jail. Should this levy pass, the 40 beds the county currently leases for overflow would still be part of the current costs to hold things at their current levels until a new jail can be built.
Will those leased beds be needed after the new jail is built? Augerot said, “those are numbers we are actively crunching.”
Van Arsdall wanted to remind the people of Benton County that he, his employees, and their families live side-by-side with them, and he wants what will be best for the community.
Augerot reminded people that the board takes their opinions very seriously, and they are addressing the county concerns through health services as well as accountability. She finished saying, “We’re looking to take care of our community as best we can.”
Position 6: Adams vs Euhus
For the second part of the Forum, we spoke with the people running for school board seats. For Position 6, we heard from Vince Adams and challenger Tim Euhus.
Adams has shifted from seeking another four years in Position 4, to seeking the two unexpired years in Position 6. he calls on Corvallisites to celebrate that the graduation rates in CSD have risen from two-thirds to 90%, and wants to see kids safely in schools again while bringing community into the process of making school policy.
Euhus, who grew up in Eugene, chose to run after what he referred to as “COVID education” had created a “tribalism polarization” on education. He feels that half of the kids are not performing at the level they should be, and that better systems and more accountability are needed.
The first Question was about what course the schools should take in September.
Euhus feels that students need to have in-person learning for the best results. He is also a strong proponent for standardized testing as “we need to know where each student stands.”
Adams agreed that in-person learning was the best option, although he clarified that by adding that we need to make sure the schools are safe for students and educators. He felt that assessment has been happening throughout the school year despite the unusual learning environments.
The second question concerned vaccines, and whether or not school districts should no longer allow vaccine exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons.
Euhus agrees with the current exemptions that are in place. In terms of the COVID vaccine, he feels that when his pediatrician decides it’s safe for his children to have it, then he’ll discuss it.
Adams agreed with Euhus, saying that the current statute is working, and that herd immunity can be achieved.
The third question concerned whether or not trans-girls and trans-boys should be allowed to play on teams which match their true gender while in school.
Euhus, who was a football player, said that as long as NCAA or Olympic drug guidelines were adhered to, then it was fine. He then said, “Personally, I would find it difficult to have a girl in the locker room,” and mentioned the precautions that would need to be put in place “for a girl on a football team.”
Adams said that you should treat a student the way they identify and make accommodations.
The fourth question was about what, if any, relationship schools should have with the police.
Euhus strongly supports having officers on school property.
Adams said that it was an Operations decision and up to the school superintendent.
The fifth question asked the candidates what they hoped students would take away from the Black Lives Matter movement.
Adams felt that the biggest take away was that there have been “generations of hurt” that we need to make that better.
Euhus felt that he wanted kids to learn to be better listeners, and that awareness was important.
The sixth question concerned which other candidates they supported.
Adams aligns himself with Sami Al-AbdRabbuh , Lului Whitebear, and Shauna Tominey.
Euhus aligns himself with Bryce Cleary, Richard Arnold, and Ginger Schudel Larcom.
In further discussion, it was brought up that Euhus’s voter’s pamphlet statement says he would “advocate that ALL students be taught the fundamental skills.”
Euhus said that when he put ALL in caps, he meant all, and that he feels that, regardless of socio economics, some children are in tougher positions. He brought up a personal history of finding out his child had a learning disability which had fallen through the cracks because their performance was good enough to not alarm teaching staff.
Adams responded that it is true, the education system in the U.S. doesn’t treat all students equally. Adding, “We’ve reached parity in Hispanic students.”
It was then brought up that Adams’ voter’s pamphlet statement says “The jobs of the future will require a tech-savvy workforce that can learn quickly and think critically.” He was asked what he would pursue in the next two years to assure the district’s students are prepared.
“We’re already doing the things to make that happen,” Adams said. He believes that students are being prepared for the jobs of tomorrow through the Career and Tech information being leveraged today.
Position 5: Tominey vs Spindler
Note: There are three candidates running for Position 5, however Ginger Schudel Larcom declined to participate.
For our second debate, we heard from Shauna Tominey and Rachelle Spindler – two of the candidates running for Position 5.
Tominey is originally from the Corvallis area, and felt that as a parent in the area who saw the difficulties brought on by the pandemic, she wanted to participate in the school board.
As a first generation American, Spindler calls on the cultural importance of giving back to the community as what brought her to the race. She also felt that, as a mental health first responder, her expertise was needed on the board.
The first Question was about what course the schools should take in September.
Tominey said that she felt one of the areas critical to recovery is to find a way to break barriers between family and school. She believes the schools should be on the lookout for students who may have fallen through the cracks as in-person learning resumes.
Spindler felt that “if we don’t go back to in-person learning, there’s going to be a lot of fatigue going on” in the community. She strongly believes in in-person learning.
The second question concerned vaccines, and whether or not school districts should no longer allow vaccine exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons.
Spindler felt that as public schools, the CSD needs to maintain access to all kids. She therefore believes that the exemptions should be kept in place.
Tominey agreed, adding that there may be ways to bridge the gap to ensure that everyone is safe.
The third question was about what, if any, relationship schools should have with the police.
Tominey, whose husband was recently sworn in as a Benton County Sheriff’s Deputy, feels it’s time to “community build between police and schools.” She recognizes that traumas are there for some kids, and understanding of the BLM movement will be important.
Spindler said that she felt it was “an awesome time to rebuild the relationship.”
When the subsequent question was posed to these candidates about career day events, and whether police should be included, both candidates saw a place for the police in such an event. However, while Spindler quickly said that the officers involved should not be in uniform, Tominey feels that uniforms would be fine provided staff were cognizant of the fact there may be students triggered.
The fourth question asked the candidates what they hoped students would take away from the Black Lives Matter movement.
Spindler said that she hopes “they realize that they can lift their voices as a community if they see something unjust.”
Tominey agreed, added that she hoped kids would learn the importance of listening and build compassion.
The fifth question concerned which other candidates they supported.
Tominey confirmed that she was aligned with Sami Al-AbdRabbuh , Lului Whitebear, and Vince Adams.
Spindler said that she is the only candidate who was not recruited, unaligned, and has worked as a public servant.
In further discussion, it was brought up that Spindler’s voter’s pamphlet statement said she would “amplify the voices of parents in marginalized communities and those with children identified to have special needs.” She was asked if she believes the district isn’t doing this now.
Spindler said that the district could do more than it has. She also said that the district could do more than “Cohort C” – referring to the continued distance-learning students.
Tominey agreed that special needs kids’ needs have not been met, and that additional support is needed.
It was then mentioned that in Tominey’s voter’s pamphlet statement, she calls for “dedicated investment” in “trauma-informed care to ensure student well-being and to reduce staff burnout.”
Tominey added that there are many efforts in place that not only exist, but should be continued and expanded.
Spindler agreed, saying “trauma informed care… is in the nuances.” Change in schedules is “not trauma informed” according to Spindler.
There has been widespread discussion on the fairly continual schedule changes. Each candidate was asked to speak more on that topic.
Tominey replied that the information the board and teacher have has changed over time, as had the pandemic, and that the board could perhaps be better available to allow families in on policy changes.
Spindler said that she found changing schedules to be “a very privileged response” which she found shocking.
Position 4: Whitebear vs Arnold
The third debate was between Luhui Whitebear, the incumbent, and challenger Richard Arnold – candidates for Position 4.
Whitebear is running because she believes in community, although she and her children have experienced K-12 in a way that “has not felt good.” She has spent her career working for trans-policy and equity, so when she was asked to take over a seat on the board, she agreed to the appointment. Running for a full term, she hopes to highlight some of the great work done during the pandemic.
Arnold also has children in CSD, and feels the quality of education his children have received has been declining in quality, calling out the school board for “benign neglect.” He also called out the school district for creating a space where one-third of the kids can’t read to grade level and one-half can’t do math to grade level.
The first Question was about what course the schools should take in September.
Arnold feels the best solution is in-person learning, full in-person learning. He wants the schools to “push the envelope.”
Whitebear said that it is up to the state what platform is used, but calls for people to be flexible. She reminded listeners that some students with health issues cannot go back to school, and we need to have options for all students.
The second question concerned vaccines, and whether or not school districts should no longer allow vaccine exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons.
Whitebear said that the question is outside of the realm of the school board.
Arnold said that, while he doesn’t support philosophical exemptions, he does support religious exemptions.
The third question was about what, if any, relationship schools should have with the police.
Arnold said that, if they are properly trained to be on school grounds, then they can be a very positive factor.
Whitebear said that, as the issue is one that is operational, the school board wouldn’t make that decision. She feels it’s best to keep things organized in that way.
The fourth question asked the candidates what they hoped students would take away from the Black Lives Matter movement.
Whitebear said that we need to face the fact that there is continued oppression of certain groups of people in our society, and we need to address systems that devalue lives. She hopes kids learn to treat each other with more humanity, and to honor the lives that have been targeted the most.
Arnold agreed, saying that the BLM movement made him “look more introspectively than in the past,” and he hopes kids learn to listen to the stories being told and how they are been felt in the community.
The fifth question concerned which other candidates they supported.
Arnold confirmed that he aligned himself with Tim Euhus, Bryce Cleary, and Ginger Schudel Larcom.
Whitebear confirmed that she aligned herself with Sami Al-AbdRabbuh, Shauna Tominey, and Vince Adams.
In further discussion, Arnold was asked about his voters pamphlet statement that “we must link educational outcomes to the district’s equity goals and objectives. Currently, there is little meaningful data being provided to demonstrate the district’s success or failure in improving educational equity.”
Arnold claimed that when you look at a school board and the metrics they use, “there’s little reported as to efficacy and equity” – meaning the allocation of resources to those students in greatest need. He claimed that students of color have the hardest time keeping up. Arnold was part of the budget committee in 2014 that changed how money was allocated to require greater accountability linked to academic achievement.
Whitebear responded that “the school system has been around for quite some time” and still hasn’t been made equitable. This accountability linked to achievement needs time and patience to show benefits.
It was then brought up that Whitebear’s voter’s pamphlet statement calls for budgeting in “Stronger support of student mental health, food/shelter, and whole-self.” She was asked what budget changes that would entail.
Whitebear said that it was hard to answer that without the budget in hand. She has looked into a federally funded program called the Indian Education Program which serves the mental health needs of kids.
Arnold responded that most of the mental health infrastructure is being funded through the state, which offers needed support. He then wondered if students getting mental health support were performing better.
Position 1: Al-AbdRabbuh vs Cleary
Incumbent Sami Al-AbdRabbuh was slated to debate challenger Bryce Cleary, however Cleary declined to participate. Al-AbdRabbuh was therefore asked questions by the moderator.
Al-AbdRabbuh said that he brings passion, vision, and experience to the job. He is proud that the graduation rates are at 90%, and believes he has created a model that protects students – including passing a bond measure, working on sustainability, installing solar panels, planning for the pandemic and implementing the plan quickly. He believes every student should be safe and have access to learning.
The first Question was about what course the schools should take in September.
Predictability and consistency for families are what is needed, according to Al-AbdRabbuh. He wants to see community engagement and options that work best for each student and family. “We have a system now to give a student access no matter what happens,” he said.
He took exception to the claim made that the schools were constantly changing schedules with little warning for parents, claiming that the schools gave first two, then three, weeks’ notice before things changed. He acknowledged that it wasn’t ideal, but changes happened because the virus would change.
Al-AbdRabbuh found that characterization unfair, saying the board prioritized community and health, that they did not panic, and that they made efforts whenever there was an exposure to “track, trace, and treat.”
The next question concerned vaccines, and whether or not school districts should no longer allow vaccine exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons.
“Vaccines have saved lives, are saving lives, and will save lives,” said Al-AbdRabbuh. He added that the purpose of public education is to be accessible to the public and to keep them safe. Ultimately, he believes that “education comes before anti-vaccination.”
The next question concerned whether or not trans-girls and trans-boys should be allowed to play on teams which match their true gender while in school.
Al-AbdRabbuh said, “There’s a very clear statement we want to make: our trans-kids should have access that is equitable and equal for them.” He sees it as a means of supporting, listening, and empowering students
The next question was about what, if any, relationship schools should have with the police.
Al-AbdRabbuh said that the school district has a strong relationship with the CPD and the Sheriff, and that they work for what’s best for the students – what makes them feel safe.
The next question concerned which other candidates they supported.
Al-AbdRabbuh confirmed that he aligned himself with Luhui Whitebear, Shauna Tominey, and Vince Adams. Adding that they are the only group running that is supported by the Friends of Corvallis.
It was then mentioned that Cleary had said on social media that Al-AbdRabbuh was only on the school board so he could run for other elected positions down the road. To which the incumbent said that, if elected, he intends to serve the full four years.
“In four years,” Al-AbdRabbuh said, “we’re on track for a graduation rate of 95%.” He went on to say that he wants to see that happen. He then remarked that people of color and women are called ambitious when they step up for office, and “it’s good to be ambitious, if it’s for the right cause.”
CitySpeak Forums are presented free of charge to the public, and are co-presented by City Club of Corvallis and The Corvallis Advocate. Sponsors include Peak Sports and First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op.
By Sally K Lehman
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