At forum, Bianco is sole voice for school vouchers

As the lone Republican on stage, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco stood out as the only vocal supporter of school vouchers during a gubernatorial candidate forum Wednesday focused on education.

- BY KATIE KING

ERIC THAYER For The Times.

GUBERNATORIAL hopeful Chad Bianco's support for vouchers set him apart from Democratic rivals.

"If you are deciding where you want to eat dinner, you choose the restaurant with the best food, and the other restaurant is not going to get your service until they change their policies," Bianco said. "I will be the only person offering voucher systems for all of your kids."

His remark, prompted by a question about how to best support rural students, earned booing and a couple of cheers from the crowd at the California School Boards Assn.’s annual conference in Sacramento.

Voucher systems, which provide public money to parents to pay for private school tuition, are highly controversial. Supporters believe vouchers offer new opportunities for students and create a competitive environment that encourages all schools to improve. Opponents argue it takes away needed funding from public schools.

During the event, candidates discussed a range of issues that affect learning, including public school funding, teacher shortages and achievement gaps.

The candidates at the forum were Bianco, former State Controller Betty Yee, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon and California Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.