By KELLY URBAN
The Tribune-Democrat
May 09, 2009 11:47 pm
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With four seats up for grabs and 10 people looking to fill them, Richland School District’s primary race is shaping up be a battle to the finish.
The positions are four-year, at-large terms. All candidates have cross-filed for nominations.
Board member Rex McQuaide is not seeking re-election.
Incumbents Tim Warshel and Scott Mulhollen, along with challengers Randy Kutchman and Harry Graham, are running as a team under the philosophy of accountability within the district.
Tim Warshel
“We have to live within our means and show fiscal responsibility,” said Warshel, a Fordhook Avenue resident.
“We can’t keep taxing the people; rather, we need to find ways to cut unnecessary expenses.”
Warshel, who has served on the board for three terms, called himself the taxpayers’ watchdog. He stressed that raising taxes just because you can is not the responsible thing to do.
“Where does it end if we don’t make some changes?” he said. “We live in the same community and care about this community, and together we can make waves and see changes.”
Scott Mulhollen
Mulhollen is seeking a second term because he feels he has gotten his feet wet and wants to see the district operate efficiently while offering its students the best value for their buck in terms of eduction.
“I think we need to do some belt-tightening and pinch every penny and be held accountable for our actions,” he said. “None of us want to raise taxes and it’s a hard decision to make, but you have to do what is needed to survive and look 10, 20 and 30 years down the road to ensure this school is stable.”
Mulhollen, of Hoover Avenue, believes he is level-headed and can make sound decisions.
“There are always things we can improve on, but I want to do what is best for this community,” he said.
Randy Kutchman
Kutchman said he wants to work toward financial soundness and budget control.
“There needs to be strategic planning and long-range goals set in place, and we need to look at what is in the best interest for the children in the district and the citizens,” he said. “I’d also like to improve communication between the school district and community and see an increase in collaboration and cooperation.”
Kutchman, of Bass Avenue, has 25 years of management experience, which he believes is a value to the board.
“I’d like to evaluate the curriculum, programs and services so we can plan for the future,” he said.
Harry Graham
Graham, who has been a business owner in the community for 30 years, said his management skills would make him an asset to the board.
“There needs to be accountability for all expenses, and we can’t keep raising taxes. The sky is not the limit,” he said.
Graham, of Claythorne Drive, has three children in the district. He said Richland is a quality school district, and he’d like to see it operate efficiently while keeping taxes as low as possible.
“You’re always going to have to make those tough decisions, no matter what you’re trying to achieve,” he said.
Les Morgenstern
Les Morgenstern said he is seeking election to a third term because he wants to keep sight of the “big picture” while ensuring a top-quality educational experience for the students.
“There are people running on only a single focus of making sure taxes are eliminated or lowered, but for me, I’m looking at taking care of both this school district and the taxpayers,” he said. “We can’t be too narrowly focused on just one thing.”
Morgenstern, of Camden Avenue, acknowledged that the district has come under fire for raising taxes and for the money it spent on building the high school, but believes there should be no shortcuts when it comes to education.
“We have a top-notch district that continues to be recognized and ranks high in state testings, and we all want that to continue,” he said. “We’re saving money but problems arise, and if we have to raise taxes, we need to keep it at a comparatively low level.”
Kathy Glattke
Kathy Glattke, president of the Richland PTO, has been attending board meetings regularly and believes she has a good foothold on policies and procedures.
“I want to help provide the best opportunities for all students to succeed and involve the community in that goal,” she said. “It is about where we are going and what kind of school system we are trying to create, now and for the future.”
Glattke, a Phillips Street resident, has two children in the elementary school and volunteers for various district fundraisers.
“I know a lot of the parents and have gained their trust,” she said. I’m well-informed about what goes on, and that will lead me to make sound decisions.”
Thomas Feichtel
At 27, Thomas Feichtel of Bobwhite Street is the youngest candidate seeking a seat, but he doesn’t believe his age will hinder his chances of being elected.
“I think my age is a benefit because I have fresh ideas, and my experience with state and federal programs as well as my professional credentials give me unique perspectives and qualifications,” he said.
Feichtel, who is employed by Kusters Engineering America, said he’d like to guide the district in managing its projected growth by implementing progressive programs, solid business practices and sound financial principles.
“I see great things in the district but tough decisions always need to be made, so with my business savvy I’d like to help the board deal with managing the district,” he said.
Steve Ettien
After failing to advance out of the primary in 2007, Steve Ettien is throwing his hat back into the ring and running on the slogan of “balanced education and fiscal responsibility.”
“I want to be involved with local issues and being on the school board is a way to do that, and it’s an opportunity to influence the education of the children,” he said. “A balanced education – academics, fine arts and athletics – is very important.”
Ettien, a resident of Stardust Drive, is a small-business owner and knows that when it comes to spending, every penny counts.
“We have to invest our money wisely because it’s not our money, it’s the taxpayers’ money,” he said. “We need a contingency plan on the best way to use the money yet still offer that balanced education.”
Rick Boyd, Curt Costlow
Challengers Rick Boyd and Curt Costlow could not be reached for comment.
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