21 Jun Norwalk/La Mirada USD Candidate Forum This Thursday

The first NLM USD candidate forum will be held Thursday June 24, 2021 at 6:30pm at the La Mirada Activity Center, sponsored by La Mirada Chamber Of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Ebell service groups. Come hear the candidates discuss the issues before the upcoming special election taking place on July 20th.

Each candidate will have the opportunity for an opening and closing statement. Questions will be received from the audience and filtered by volunteers and asked to each candidate in a round-robin fashion, with each candidate having the opportunity to respond. All city and state CoVID protocols will be followed.

Narcis Brasov has been a teacher for15 years, “I have taught Spanish and inspired students at Norwalk High School, now I teach at Trinity Law School. As a father, teacher and an attorney ethics and integrity are key in everything I do.” Brasov developed and taught the first Spanish for Native Speakers class at NHS. As an immigrant, he personally understands the daily struggles of first and second-generation families. “I am committed to providing every child in our district an excellent education. I will advocate for teacher training and supplies to improve STEM education in K-8, so our students are adequately prepared for high school math, science, and AP courses.” He does not believe in ‘rubber stamping’ proposed curriculum, policies or budgets.

Dr. Roberto “Rob” Cancio was born and raised in the NLM community. He attended schools within the district and graduated Valedictorian from Southeast Academy High School. Cancio wants to see all students succeed in their education and careers. “I understand the importance of a quality education. After high school, I joined the Navy, and then graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree.” He has completed his Master’s and Doctorate Degrees at the University of Miami. As a veteran, Cancio believes in numerous career paths to success. As a veteran and professor, he would like to see each student prepared for success whether in college or professions of their choice.

Over the years Richard LeGaspi has served as a city social services commissioner, a coach in youth sports and a school board member. “If elected, I will use my experience to ensure students have a safe environment and an educational plan that prepares them for the future.” LeGaspi and his wife have lived in the community for 35 years and raised two children, who attended local public schools. “Education has always been a priority in our family. As a business owner and local resident my concerns about higher taxes and fiscal responsibility are primary. I support working with parents in our district, spending wisely in order to create the most positive impact on our students. I will serve with integrity and commit to working hard to for our students success.”

The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, Board of Education provisionally appointed Jesse Urquidi, former Board Member and Associate Principal & Project Development Director at P2S, Inc., to the Board of Education on January 11, 2021. Urquidi was born in Norwalk, California and attended Nettie L. Waite Elementary and Middle School and graduated with honors from John Glenn High School in Norwalk. He has been in the engineering and construction field for twenty-seven years. His local community experience includes past president of the Norwalk Lions Club, member of the La Mirada Kiwanis Club and past president of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as a public safety commission in both the cities of Norwalk and La Mirada. He resides in La Mirada with his wife and daughter Elise who is a District middle school student.

Janet Martinez has not provided a candidate statement.

Source: Hews Media Group, written by Tammye McDuff, June 16, 2021

The special election takes place on July 20, 2021. Polls open 7:00 a.m., close 8:00 p.m. Last day for Vote By Mail ballots to be received or turned in personally by the voter. Click here for more details.