"Mr. Garcia, is it possible at some point in the future that you will actually win an election?"

In cased you missed it, Watch Dog has been following the goings-on on the East Side Union High School District Board as they fill a (large) vacancy. A brief recap:

• Eddie Garcia (after being appointed to the Board in 2006) lost his seat on the Board during the November 2008 election -- coming in 3rd place.
• Despite Garcia's loss, outgoing Board member George Shirakawa (who was on his way off the East Side Board because of his election to the Board of Supervisors) tried to get Garcia appointed (again) to the Board.
• Apparently oblivious to ethics, or perhaps knowing people would ignore it, the Shirakawa/Garcia relationship was taken to another level as Garcia got a job in Shirakawa's office in the County Building.
• Watch Dog pointed out the shenanigans happening at the East Side Union High School District Board, and included an email Garcia sent to supporters.
• (As an aside, Watch Dog pointed out Craig Mann's apparent resume inflation...Mann was the guy that held the East Side Union seat before Garcia.)
  

Today, Watch Dog has another update.

This Thursday, the Board of East Side Union will make up their minds about whom to appoint to the open seat -- even though the process if obviously fixed and the outcome already a given.So, if you are brave enough to cross Shirakawa and his Soprano-esque effort to have Garcia "set up" with a job and a public office -- go ahead. Watch Dog doesn't want any dead fish in my mailbox...

And because we can't resist, here is yesterday's email Garcia sent to supporters asking them to show up to the Board meeting where he will be anointed/appointed for the second time. One thing the Board won't ask, but should:

Mr. Garcia, is it possible at some point in the future that you will actually win an election?

Now on to Garcia's email -- WD's snotty comments in bold italics...

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January 5, 2009

Dear Friends and Supporters,

In just four days, the East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD) Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing to replace George Shirakawa on the the Board on:

WD: Grammar check your emails please...

Thursday, January 8 at 6:00 PM
ESUHSD Board Chambers
930 N. Capitol Avenue
San Jose, CA

After an open and transparent public interview process, I demonstrated that I am the best qualified applicant for the appointment for the following reasons:

(1) I am the only applicant who has served on a school board (ESUHSD, 2006-2008)

WD: This is true, but he was not elected to the Board in 2006 -- he was appointed...

(2) I am the only applicant who earned the support and trust of a broad and diverse coalition of over 100 elected officials, organizations, and community leaders

(3) I am the only applicant who has earned the trust and support of over 45,000 district voters

WD: Unfortunately for Garcia, he needed thousands more votes than that to actually get elected to the Board...

(4) I am the only applicant to have received the trust and support from 13 of the 14 Community Advisory Committee members appointed by the Board of Trustees

WD: "Appointed by the Board of Trustees" who were bullied by Shirakawa, no doubt...

(5) I am the only applicant who is a graduate of the ESUHSD, and has served the district as an employee, coach, and board member

(6) I am the only applicant who has broad experience as corporate executive, educational employee, and community leader

Although my qualifications are without equal among the applicants, Thursday's public hearing is a political process conducted by elected board members who will make the final decision. As in all political processes, some of the elected officials may make a decision based on personal preference rather than on qualifications.

WD: Weird...Voters made their decisions based on "qualifications" and didn't vote for Garcia...

That's why your attendance at the hearing is critical to demonstrate to the elected board members that the community supports my appointment to the board as the best qualified applicant.

WD: Even though voters thought otherwise...

I would be humbled and honored by your attendance: Thursday, January 8 at 6:00 PM at the ESUHSD Board Chambers, 930 N. Capitol Ave. in San Jose. The board appointment is the only issue on the agenda.

Please let me know if you will attend by replying to this e-mail.

Thanks again for everything. We're almost there! Despite the challenging budget crisis, with your help and support, I truly believe that the East Side Union High District's best days are still to come.

With Gratitude,

Eddie