Now that filing has closed, we have an opportunity to look through the candidate’s statements for the sample ballot, the 200 word statement every candidate writes that gets sent to every single registered voter in their jurisdiction (it’s 250 words for candidates for the Legislature or Congress, provided they agree to contribution limits).

99% of the time, candidates for county, city, school district, and special district office, candidates who fail to get the 200-word ballot statement will lose because voters won’t know anything about them. If these people are unwilling to get the ballot statement, they’re generally unwilling to do any voter communication.

However, sometimes it’s just better to not have a ballot statement when a candidate writes a truly awful one.

Anaheim Union High School District Candidate Gerald C. Adams was likely the kid in school who got the “Does Not Follow Directions” note from the teacher.

The Candidate’s Handbook from the Registrar of Voters states:

The statement may include the name, age and occupation of the candidate and a brief description, of no more than 200 words, of the candidate’s education and qualifications expressed by the candidate himself/herself…

A Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications may make no reference to another candidate. In addition to the restrictions set forth in Section 13307, any Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications submitted pursuant to Section 13307 shall be limited to a recitation of the candidate’s own personal background and qualifications, and shall not in any way make reference to other candidates for that office or to another candidate’s qualifications, character, or activities…

The statement Adams made does not follow those requirements.  If a registered voter within the boundaries of the Anaheim Union High School District wants to sue, they have until Monday to file suit and serve the Registrar and Adams with that suit to get much of the Adams statement redacted.  At minimum, the fifth paragraph could be construed as making reference to other candidates for that office since two incumbents are running.  Potentially, a generous interpretation could result in striking paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Even stepping away from the legal arena, this is just a politically-flawed statement.  Adams spends nearly his entire statement trashing the incumbents but says little about what he will do or who he is.  He’s worked for the “school district for more than 27 years,” wants “top quality education,” wants to provide “transparency and accountability,” and will “protect precious resources for classrooms.”  He says, “I am prepared to lead. In addition to hard work ethic and integrity, I have completed a school district administration program.”

If you’re going to run for office, it isn’t enough to attack your opponents.  You need to tell voters who you are and explain what you will do differently.

Here is what I am declaring the worst ballot statement in all of Orange County:

NAME: GERALD C. ADAMS
OCCUPATION: School Safety Technician

After serving families of our school district for more than 27 years, I decided to run and restore responsible leadership so we can focus on what really matters – top quality education for our kids.

In 2002, District leadership convinced our community to pass Measure “Z” Bond taxing residents and businesses in Anaheim, Buena Park, and Cypress.

What transpired afterwards is an embarrassment.

The Grand Jury, District Attorney and private auditor agree with me – all concluded that there was serious mismanagement and squandering of Measure “Z” tax money. Community homeowners and businesses will be repaying this until 2032!

But current school board members rewarded these irresponsible administrators with retirement treats, like free lifetime medical coverage for themselves and their spouses and large tax sheltered annuities, all paid for by our tax dollars.

Unfortunately, school board mismanagement resulted in moving the focus away from providing our kids the best education possible.

Enough is enough.

Families and taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability from elected officials. Our kids deserve leaders who will protect precious resources for classrooms. I am prepared to lead. In addition to hard work ethic and integrity, I have completed a school district administration program.

I look forward to serving you.