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Posted: 10/31/12

Voters to pick two
from five RCS candidates

by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer

      Five candidates are vying for the two open trustee positions on the Romeo Community Schools (RCS) Board of Education.
       On Nov. 6, voters will choose from five candidates to fill two six-year spots on the board. Trustee Terry Davis has decided not to run for re-election, leaving his spot open. Trustee Gus Demas is the only incumbent on the ballot.
       Wayne Conner II
       Conner, an autoworker, member of veteran assistance organizations and former member at-large for the UAW Local 2280, said his experience will help move the board forward to be one of the best in the state.
       "I have previously held offices from president to trustee showing I have leadership qualities," he said.
       He stressed the importance of passing the technology bond, saying it will bring the district into the next century. He said he would also like to increase communication between the community and board members.
       "I have a passion for helping people to accomplish their goals brought before me."
       Gus Demas
       Demas, the executive assistant to the president of Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, said he has spent his professional life as a professor and a dean and has served as the RCS board president.
       "I understand the critical issues that face the district and possess the collaborative, problem-solving approach necessary to deal with those critical issues," he said.
       He said he is in support of the upcoming technology bond and would continue to balance limited resources and funding with the necessary support of district operations.
       "Our students must be foremost in all of our decisions as we prepare them for success in our competitive world," he said.
       Sebastian Previti
       Previti, an employee of TI Automotive, said he fully supports the technology bond, saying it will improve technology with no additional costs to residents.
       "This will attract students to our area as well as make our district a leader in technology and preparing our children for these advanced technological times," he said.
       When addressing budgetary concerns, he said he would advertise Schools of Choice, reduce liabilities and negotiate contracts using his financial background.
       "I have over 15 years experience in cost accounting and have worked with numerous people in all different aspects of the business," he said.
       Lee Verbouw
       Verbouw, an IT system engineer with the U.S. Army and small business owner, said his background makes him a person that companies hire to plan, design, purchase and implement technology.
       "My experience and advice will help eliminate mistakes and save the district money now and in the future," he said.
       He said he understands the importance of upgrading technology and therefore approves of it. He said in addressing the budget, he would look at a detailed district budget and encourage increasing student numbers.
       "After balancing the budget, we need to replenish the general fund," he said. "We cannot continue to ask the taxpayer for more money every election cycle."
       Chris Young
       Young, a recent RCS graduate, college student and camera and editor at WBRW, said he would bring an open mind to the board and improve relations.
       "I want to build better communication in our community," he said. "I feel that there is a huge gap between our school board and everything else."
       He is a proponent of the technology bond, saying it will not increase taxes while enhancing learning by giving students a tool that coincides with today's world.
       "This will enhance the abilities for students to work better in class," he said.
       With budgetary concerns, he said he would want to look at all sides of an issue before voting.