Central Unified School Board incumbent Phillip Cervantes, at left, says he's making another bid for election. Incumbent Jeremy Mehling, at right, says he probably isn't. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)
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Three seats on the Central Unified School Board are up for reelection and, as of Wednesday, at least one candidate was running in two of them.
But in the Area 6 race, the slate remains empty.
Trustee Jeremy Mehling, who was elected to his first term to represent Area 6 in 2020, told GV Wire on Thursday that he was not planning to run for reelection due to family and work obligations.
“I have had a moral obligation to my constituents to listen, understand, be open-minded and not bring politics into any decisions I have made,” he said in a text message. “Every vote I made I was speaking for the people in my area. They were lacking a voice and I hope they felt I did a good job for them. I feel like I would let them down if I couldn’t give 100% this next four years.”
Mehling asked about the deadline to file and was told it was Friday. He then added in a text that there was a “small chance” he might change his mind and file his candidacy.
If he does not, the filing period will be extended five days to Wednesday, Aug. 14.
No Candidate? Board Has Power to Appoint
If no candidates emerge by the deadline, the School Board will appoint a “qualified” person after seeking applicants through a public notice, according to state law.
In Area 3, incumbent Phillip Cervantes told GV Wire on Thursday morning that he had his candidate paperwork in his car and was heading downtown to file it.
His opponent is Natalie Chavez, who is listed on the ballot as an educator. She could not be reached for comment Thursday.
The third seat up for election is Area 5, where incumbent Richard Solis is being challenged by Jaspreet Sidhu, a registered nurse.
Related Story: Big Money in Some School Board Races, No Money in Others
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