TUSTIN : Ferguson Is Asked to Quit Schools Race

Tustin Unified District Supt. David L. Andrews, under the direction of the school board, has asked board candidate Todd M. Ferguson to reconsider his decision to run because his wife is a teacher in the district.

If Ferguson is elected in Tuesday’s vote, he would not be able to vote on matters affecting his wife’s salary or benefits. Gwen Ferguson is a teacher at Currie Middle School.

The office of the superintendent this week faxed to the news media a copy of a letter sent to Ferguson. Because it was mailed, Ferguson had not yet received it.

“The effectiveness and efficiency of the Board of Education will be seriously eroded if you are a member of the Board of Education while your wife is an employee of the district,” the letter stated. It cited possible conflict-of-interest problems.

Ferguson, who has been active in the community for 20 years, said: “I am in this race. Before I filed (for candidacy), I asked for clarification on the legal implications of a person running for office when his wife is an employee. The law clearly states that I can run for this position, and I disagree that it would be an impediment.”

Carol Thorp, a spokeswoman for the Fair Political Practices Commission, confirmed that “there is nothing that prevents one from running for office just because somebody’s husband or wife works in the same district or area.” Thorp said that it is not uncommon for an elected official to have a spouse somehow involved in the jurisdiction.

But school board member Barbara Benson said: “We feel that if he was elected, he would become a part-time rather than a full-time board member because of the restrictions. It would be hard on everyone.”