That effort to recall the Corvallis School Board has taken another turn. Last week, The Advocate learned at least two of the Board’s members had contacted local businesses to express that maybe they shouldn’t be hosting petition signing events on their premises.
The events had been organized by members of Save Corvallis Schools, they are an informal group of local parents trying to put the recall on the ballot. They need 4,577 voter signatures to do that.
Kristen Pizzuti is the Coffeehouse Leader for the Starbucks location at 9th Street and Linden, essentially the general manager. She said that Corvallis School Board Chair Luhui Whitebear contacted her, saying, “That by hosting the event, Starbucks is cosigning the recall.” Pizzuti does not see it that way.
She said, “This is a communal space, people have meetings here all the time and even sign contracts here.” In her view, so long as the Save Corvallis Schools’ people are customers and not going table to table soliciting others, they’re complying with the company’s policies.
When asked if she would likewise permit an event favoring the Board, Pizzuti said, “Yes, as long they’re customers and not soliciting table to table.”
Pizzuti described the conversation with Whitebear as “tense.”
When Whitebear was asked about the exchange she expressed that area businesses hosting the recall signing events could be seen as politicizing themselves. “I was concerned about people making assumptions that a business is taking a position.” Whitebear also said she doesn’t believe it’s fair for businesses to be pulled into what she sees as a political situation, and she expressed the view that running a business is tough enough as is.
School Board member Chris Hawkins has also similarly contacted at least one business.
Kate Dillon, owner of Lady Luck Vintage Market, said Hawkins contacted her by email, essentially expressing the view that the business was taking a stand on the recall by allowing the signing event on its premises.
Dillon doesn’t see it that way, saying, “I believe the democratic process is important.” She believes the issues being raised in this instance deserve to be heard and considered. When asked if she would likewise also permit an event favoring the Board, she replied yes.
When asked for comment, Hawkins declined.
Other businesses differ
Save Corvallis Schools had also set signing events at First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op and Common Fields. Both businesses later decided not to host.
First Alternative general manager Mark Tarasawa said several employees reported customers had expressed concern, and that those concerns had been echoed by a number of member-owners.
Similarly, Common Fields owner Jacob Oliver said several customers had expressed concern to staff.
Context
Save Corvallis Schools describe themselves as apolitical. Our reporting so far supports that assertion. They have members from both major political parties, and across the political spectrum. Their arguments eschew the usual partisan dog-whistles.
When we reached out for their comment about this story, they declined, saying they believe the story speaks for itself.
By Steven J. Schultz
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