Chino election supporters cease petition drive

Staff Writer

CHINO -- Supporters of a special election to oust a new school board member are reconsidering the idea after learning that many in the community oppose its cost.

Last week, Chino Valley Unified School District critics and parents Peter Attwood and Bill Zeman led nearly 100 residents who petitioned for a special election in the spring that would remove new board member Charles Dickie.

Dickie was appointed several weeks ago.

The petitioners said Dickie was unfit to serve on the board because he has little knowledge of issues facing the district, especially in times of financial crisis.

The cost of holding the special election -- nearly $500,000 -- would impact the cash-strapped district, which on Thursday is expected to review $32 million in cuts, board members and Dickie said.

The cost of the election would result in classroom cuts and teacher layoffs, district officials said.

On Tuesday, Attwood and Zeman said they haven't thrown in the towel yet, but it would be pointless to continue collecting signatures from a community largely against the idea.

"I think the wisdom of the crowds counts," Attwood said. "I have not fully decided on the thing, and neither has Bill, but we don't feel comfortable going against what the broad community consensus is at this time. People don't like a lot of things, but they don't want to spend the money."