My thoughts move to the future. I will not be seeking reelection for a third term.

For six years, I watched some board members not accept their status as representing a minority viewpoint on the big ideas discussed and voted on by our governing board. I believe every board member to be too ambitious, that is the nature of politics, but some board members became tempted by the prospect of becoming the sole leader of the governing board that they blinded themselves to recognizing the wolves in sheep’s clothing that you find lurking in the shadows of ambitious politicians.

It ...

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District reputations are earned; not given.  In the court of public opinion, when the Governing Board's reputation takes a hit, we are all losers. 

The democratic process is inherently confrontational and slow moving.  In our honest moments away from public scrutiny, surrounded by trusted intimacy, I believe each Governing Board member battles the human elements of mistrust and paranoia.  

Each Board Member must maintain vigilance to strengthen the character and wisdom that respects all points of view that come attached with an emotional attachment.  We must respect these emotional attachments with respect and dignity and not succumb to the temptations of attacking ...<< MORE >>

Wednesday night, March 26, 2008, during our Governing Board meeting, I led a study session focusing governing board member's attention on a vision to continue to raise academic standards and expectations in our school district.  On April 10th, the powerpoint I used in making my presentation was adopted by the board as an official communication piece to further communicate the Governing Board's vision for academic excellence in our school district  Here is a link to that powerpoint:  Ottterman Academic Vision Powerpoint.ppt 

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Here is the delimma: How does an elected official communicate his or her thoughts, feelings, and motivations to the constituency they serve, given the fact that they serve in an unpaid position with no budget for community outreach programs or a well-funded public relations department?<< MORE >>

Mr. Otterman speech given at Sun City Grand Board Meeting - Nov. 29, 2007

I was solicited by many friends and neighbors to run for a seat on the Governing Board.  My politics is short and sweet like the kiss of a young girl friend.  I am in favor of improved academic expectations and standards and a leadership style that engages with others in such a way that leaders and followers raise one another to higher levels of motivations and collaboration.  These are my sentiments and my political principals.

In a representative democracy, elected officials listen to the input of the people, but are trusted to make decisions that are in the best interest of ...<< MORE >>

1.    Elected Governing Board President on January 9, 2008
2.    Elected Governing Board President on January 10, 2007
3.    Elected Governing Board President on January 6, 2005
3.    Elected Governing Board President on January 12, 2004,
4.    Elected Governing Board President on January 14, 2003

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