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LWV League of Women Voters of California
Marin County, CA November 4, 2003 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Phyllis L. Metcalfe

Candidate for
Board Member; Marin Community College District

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

The challenges facing Marin Community College District require experienced leadership, vigorous management of resources, long term commitment to the college district and active community involvement.

During her tenure on the College Board, Phyllis has strongly supported and will continue to emphasize these special priorities:

  • PROVIDING ACCESSIBLE QUALITY EDUCATION

Phyllis Metcalfe works for the continuous improvement of college programs and services that reflect the current and emerging educational needs of the community.

Phyllis promotes College of Marin's primary mission to provide both lower-division courses for students transferring to four-year colleges and vocational/technical career education programs. Additionally, she supports the college offering remedial and basic skills courses for students who lack a strong educational background and continuing education for cultural growth, life enrichment and skills improvement.

Phyllis supports the concept that College of Marin serves our community in many ways. Especially by providing programs that: meet the needs of specific groups such as older adults and those with disabilities; advance economic growth with training and services that contribute to workforce improvemnt; create opportunities to participate in cultural, recreational and civic activities that enhance the quality of life.

  • IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IN THE COMMUNITY AND INTERNALLY

Phyllis Metcalfe works to improve communication in the community to increase awareness and appreciation of the college. She encourages communication internally to ensure participation by college constituents in decision-making. She strongly believes good decisions are not made in a vacuum. True leaders should not be afraid to hear the opinions of others; they should reach out and listen.

  • REVITALIZING THE INDIAN VALLEY CAMPUS

For the past four years, Phyllis Metcalfe has actively proposed and encouraged the development of a partnership between the college and San Francisco State University, in order to invigorate the Indian Valley Campus and provide increased educational opportunities for Marin residents. She continues to explore partnerships with other four-year colleges, both public and private, which will produce additional educational opportunities.

  • IMPROVING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Phyllis Metcalfe supports spending limited funds to improve and increase class offerings. She works diligently to establish partnerships with public and private entities to assist our college. She encourages the college to find creative ways to develop non-tax financial resources to support our programs and services.

It is essential the college's resources be used to provide accessible, quality lifelong learning opportunities to serve the present and future educational needs of the community. Phyllis actively promotes the ongoing effort to increase income and reduce costs.

  • REPAIRING AND MAINTAINING FACILITIES

Phyllis Metcalfe supports placing a bond measure on the November 2004 Ballot to repair, restore and maintain our physical facilities. She knows creating a positive teaching and learning environment requires facilities that are safe, accessible and meet technological needs.

  • CREATING A "PRE-QUALIFICATION" SYSTEM FOR GOODS AND SERVICES

Phyllis Metcalfe supports the creation of a "pre-qualification" system to enhance the local economy and workforce by ensuring local businesses and contractors have the opportunity to provide goods and services to the college. She firmly believes College of Marin cannot ask for support from the community unless the college makes every effort to give support to the community.

PHYLLIS METCALFE... MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT COLLEGE OF MARIN AND IN OUR COMMUNITY

Phyllis Metcalfe's dedication to equal opportunity for people in our society was first apparent back in the 1960's, when she was among the first of the students who actively worked in the civil rights movement. She strongly believes that education is the key to economic and social equality. For over 35 years, her tireless efforts on behalf of the various aspects of education and job training have enabled people, including those with disabilities, to achieve the skills needed to succeed.

Phyllis' presence on the college board has and will continue to provide educational opportunities for those who may never have had a chance for higher education or career training. After studying fundraising principles and dynamics, she developed COM's first annual giving campaign at a time when public community colleges in California only raised funds for scholarships.

The job-training program for low-income women Phyllis developed an administered with now Senator Barbara Boxer included childcare and transportation for participants. The program's components were broader then either the CETA and JTPA programs that were later developed by the federal government.

Phyllis Metcalfe's ongoing support for those with disabilities and her fervor for finding ways to provide educational opportunities for all people show her deep commitment to both our college and community.

PHYLLIS METCALFE BRINGS EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND COMMITMENT TO COLLEGE OF MARIN!

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: November 4, 2003 07:26
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