Respect, transparency forum's theme

In recent years, having 13 candidates to fill four seats is a bit unusual. Having all 12 who show up for a candidate forum agree on a school district's basic need, even more so.

But every candidate present at Tuesday night's candidate forum, sponsored by the Indian Prairie Parents' Council and the League of Women Voters, agreed the Indian Prairie Unit District 204 school board needs to repair its relationship with the community and it can start by being more transparent.

"The current relationship between our community and the school board is one of distrust at the moment," said candidate Doug DiFusco of Naperville. "It's a relationship our current sitting board members have fostered at times. So it's time for a change to a school board who understands we are public volunteers who work for you."

Incumbent Christine Vickers agreed, even bringing back her 2005 platform of change from when she was first elected to the board.

"My platform was and continues to be for change. I'm an independent thinker who promotes integrity, transparency, honesty and fiscal responsibility," Vickers said. "It's been no easy road by any means. Although I have been the lone voice of opposition through some of the most contentious issues and battles, please know that I am not a naysayer, I just don't believe the facts I receive sometimes."

Ten of the 12 candidates agreed that the first step the district can take to regain the community's respect and trust is for former president Mark Metzger to resign from the board, as a result of a vulgar e-mail he mistakenly sent to board members and the father of an alleged sexual assault victim.

"This latest episode of Mr. Metzger is just another level of disrespect. When you go before the school board, there is such a level of disrespect that is palpable," said candidate Dawn DeSart. "It's unbelievable the disrespect you get and I absolutely think that he should step down from the board."

Challenger Susan Rasmus also question Metzger's character while reveling in his leadership but never committed to a position.

Incumbent Cathy Piehl was the lone candidate not calling for Metzger to step down when the question was posed by the audience.

"I won't have the popular answer here but as a board member my perspective of Mark Metzger has changed incredibly. And as a community member I often felt Mark was inappropriate and too brusque with community members," she said. "However, as a board member I have deep respect for his commitment to this district and his knowledge and experience. With four new members on this board, I think his experience would be missed."

Tuesday's two-hour forum will be replayed on local cable channels and on the parents' council Web site.

The Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation will sponsor a similar forum from 7 to 9 p.m. March 11 at Naperville city hall, 400 S. Eagle St.