Elk Grove Candidates for CCSD, EGUSD Make Pitches at Fallbrook Candidate Forum

October 14, 2016 |

Several candidates for various elected positions made their pitches to voters last night at a forum sponsored by the Fallbrook Neighborhood Association. The session, which included candidates running for the Cosumnes Community Services District, Elk Grove Unified School District, Elk Grove City Council, and Elk Grove Mayor, was held at Elk Grove Elementary School.

EGUSD candidates Carmine Forcina (left), Nancy Chaires

Espinoza and Nikita Kostyuk making their cases to voters

at the Fallbrook Neighborhood Association candidate

forum held at Elk Grove Elementary School 

The forum was split into separate sessions for the CCSD, EGUSD, the Elk Grove City Council and the Mayor's position.   

The first discussion was for the three positions on the EGUSD Board of Trustees - Areas 3, 6, and 7. 

Speaking first in the Area 7 seat contest was incumbent Carmine Forcina who said he had kept his commitments he made four years ago to increase district transparency and fiscal responsibility.

"I kept every one of my promises," Forcina said.

His opponent Nikita Kostyuk, a recent college graduate and substitute teacher, stressed that he was the only candidate who has attended school in the 21st Century. He also said he supports diversity in educational choice for parents and their children.

"I can bring a different perspective," Kostyuk said. 

Area 6 candidate and incumbent Nancy Chaires Espinoza noted she works professionally in the educational field and that her service on the Board of Trustees is an extension of her commitment to helping families, particularly those from a less-advantaged background.

"I've always been the type of person that fights for underdogs," she said.

Chaires Espinoza's opponent is Marlon Hill who noted his children attend district schools and he has been active on school site councils.  

In the race for Area 3, challenger Christopher Baker said she would actively engage families about educational concerns for their children. Incumbent Chet Madison did not attend the forum. 

"Bring me your ideas," Baker said.

For the three at-large seats on the Cosumnes Community Services District Board of Directors, there were five candidates, two of whom are incumbents.

Incumbent Director Michelle Orrock stressed during her eight-year tenure the CCSD faced budget strains brought on the Great Recession, yet they were able to maintain fire services and recreational programs. She also noted several endorsements she has received,

"I am the only one who has been endorsed by police and fire[fighters]," Orrock said.

The other incumbent, Gil Albiani said the best way to keep the CCSD operating efficiently was to continue its practices of hiring the best possible personnel.

"The best thing you can do for any organization is hire the best people you can, train them very well, pay them fairly," he said.      

Candidate David Beales noted that he had not sought any endorsements, and therefore was not beholden to any special interests. 

"I'm proud to say that I have not got the endorsement of anybody and I have not sought the endorsement and therefore I would have independence on any issues coming before the board," Beales said.  

Jim Luttrell, a retired firefighter, said felt that the CCSD is well run and that he ran eight years ago but was narrowly beat by Albiani. He noted his experiences in helping merge the Galt Fire Department when they joined with the CCSD fire services. 

Orlando Fuentes noted his educational background and his extensive service working on behalf of state social welfare programs with a particular emphasis on children advocacy issues. 

"I would be honored to sit on the Cosumnes Community Services District board," he said.