answers to some questions posed by Lincoln Club

By Scott Sellman

Question #1: Why are you seeking the Lincoln Club's endorsement?

Answer #1: I open my response with the fact I have never run for any political office before, so my blunt answer is that as long as I do not terribly oppose what a group stands for, I am open for being endorsed. I do not seek endorsement of any kind though by saying what I think will get me endorsed. I feel strongly in stating what I believe first ----and then let whoever is comfortable with my stances to endorse me if they feel led to do so

I am running for this office since it is one of non-partisan. Being neither republican nor democrat leaves me independent to not taking sides with any particular party

Question #2: What is the philosophy you bring to the Board of Education?

Answer #2: I would first and foremost, try and bring a philosophy of common sense. The basic work ethic among students seems to be lacking in many areas----as well as common respect, courtesy and physical discipline among many others. I would try and have the board vote on issues that will help not only in the furthering of one's education, but also in instilling incentives for community involvement and physical education/nutrition. A healthier body leads to a healthier mind and more importantly a healthy outlook on life

Although I feel a strong dedication in keeping with the separation of church and state, I do believe at times the practicing of ones faith seems to get infringed upon at times as well. Again, basic common sense in allowing peoples religious faith to be respected as long as it does not interfere with another's is where we should always try and keep it

Question #3: What do you see as the major issues facing the public education today and how would you address them

Answer #3: When I was a teacher, I was astonished at the level of parents' lack of interest in their child's behavior and progress. I would routinely send kids home with information on how their parent could contact me regarding their child's reason for being reprimanded. The vast majority never bothered to call, merely signing the form instead of actually taking the small amount of time to find out firsthand themselves

I would want to facilitate more invitations for the parents to have them give us as much feedback they would prefer us involving their children in---since I feel if they feel that we care, they will care more as well in return. That is basically human psychology at its base

Secondly, I see all to often even the "straight A" kids do not have the ability to actually carry on a reasonable conversation when asked about anything in particular. They have a multitude of book smarts, but have no idea how to use any of it in an effective manner

I would wish to make it mandatory that all students take a "Critical Thinking" course before graduating High School. Then they can better articulate how to express oneself as well as process future information in a more efficient and more pragmatic way

Question #4: What is your view of the role of teachers unions in public education today?

Answer #4: I tend to be more of an advocate of School Vouchers---so I am inclined to be more against the Teachers union than I am for it. Obviously with anything, you can't make the transition too fast----but I am a firm believer that the public education system for the most part has failed our children in too many key areas and its time that a more "free-enterprise" outlook for schools at least be looked into and possibly adopted in the near future.

I also understand my limits to my understanding in this area due to the actual length of experience I have. I never want to appear as though my beliefs are more important than the actual facts I may be unaware of, so I concede that many who are in favor of the current unions may be able to sway me in their direction. I remain open minded to other ways to handle without vouchers

Question #5: Which organizations do you belong to?

Answer #5: None---except my church (South Shores Baptist Church in Dana Point)

Question #6: Please provide any additional information you deem important for the Lincoln Club to know in considering an endorsement of your campaign

I would just want to give you my background so you know where some of my strengths are

I graduated from USC with a degree in Broadcast Journalism in 1991. Since then, the bulk of my work has been in 3 fields I have been a writer (3 years), stock and commodities broker (5 years) and then a mortgage and real estate broker for 7 years. I am now currently looking to open a restaurant sometime by end of the year in Lake Forest. My teaching experience was for just one year (mentioned above). I do however feel that despite being only in it for a year, I learned enough to know firsthand some of the problems it faces. By no means is my experience vast enough to make huge proclamations----so I would try and bring a large dose of humility into this office

In closing, I would hope my diverse background would allow me to have a positive impact on our children's future education

Thank you very much for your consideration of my candidacy

Regards,

Scott Sellman Owner-Milos Café (http://www.miloscafe.com)

Website for campaign is http://www.miloandjakeendorse.com