Growth is good: Quality is better: Making it all work together is best.

By Dave E. Fly

Current affairs are going to change the shape of our nation. Decisive action in education and education funding will be needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: I am a long term Valley resident. I have spent years in colleges and universities as both student and professor, making me knowledgeable and experienced in University and College procedures. A graduate of U.C. Davis, I also graduated from Cal Poly State Universiy, A.V. College, A.V. High School, and Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Schools. I served my internship at the University of Saskatchewan. I was a staff and faculty member of Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo. I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

As a local business owner and employer I am in constant contact with a wide spectrum of Valley residents and businesses. I employ A.V. College students and have been impromptu advisor to numerous A.V. College students. My staff and I participate in many community affairs. In 2001 I was honored with the A.V. Fair Board Directors Award.

PLAN OF ACTION: The community colleges fill a unique position in the Master Plan for Higher Education in the State of California. It is through the community colleges that all students can seek education at the local level, and/or prepare for advanced learning. In a time of increasing demands and declining resources, we need to encourage community involvement to improve the availability of resources for the present and future.

FUNDING: With the current state of affairs, public funding will be increasingly difficult to depend on. A review of present spending is in order to assure that all dollars spent are receiving adequate return on investment.

Alternative sources of funding such as grants, endowments and gifts will need to be explored. Community involvement is the key to such alternative sources. As a long time resident of the Valley, I believe that I have a positive working relationship with a broad spectrum of the community and businesses, and will be capable of facilitating assistance for the College from the community at large.

COUNSELING: Today more than ever students need readily available and reliable couseling. The youth of today is often confused and easily swayed from long term goals. Consistent, on-going, informed, up-to-date counseling is imperative. This could decrease the drop out rate and increase the graduation rate.

COMMUNITY: Active and ongoing interchange between the College and the community will enhance job availability, work study and real life experiences for students. College students are a special resource which can be a great benefit and asset to the community.

SECURITY: A review of campus security is mandatory in these uncertain times. Seeking adequate funding, proactive student counseling and community involvement can be the first steps toward a more secure campus.

STUDENTS: Students must be actively involved at all levels. They are resourceful and will inherit this new world we are in. It is our duty to prepare them.