Candidate for
Supervisor; County of Monterey; Supervisorial District 4

Jane Parker for Supervisor

Monterey Peninsula College Board Chair Jane Parker is a long-time education and health care advocate, and former small business owner.

Since her election as a College Trustee, Jane has proven to be an effective advocate for quality education -- fighting unfair education cuts proposed by Sacramento, and leading efforts to attract and retain quality faculty and teaching staff. Under her watch, MPC has continued to provide outstanding, affordable education + with student enrollment increasing despite the state budget crisis. As Chairwoman, Jane has brought more responsible and accountable leadership to the Board of Trustees.

Jane also serves as a Vice President for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, where she raises $5 million annually, allowing for the provision of essential family, health, education counseling and medical services. Under the exceptional leadership of the executive team, of which Jane is a key member, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte facilitated nearly 427,000 medical visits last year, making it the most successful Planned Parenthood in the nation. An additional 70,000 community members participated in health education programs, and 90,000 telephoned Planned Parenthood's 24-hour Community Help-Line in the past year alone.

Prior to her time at Planned Parenthood, Jane founded and managed a healthy meal preparation and delivery service targeting working families and homebound seniors. As a local small business owner, Jane has an understanding of the importance of neighborhood-serving businesses and important financial expertise to offer to the County during this difficult economic time

A product of Monterey public schools, Jane inherited a love of education from her father, Brad, who was the education beat reporter for the Monterey Herald. Jane's mother, Polly, was a local community activist and writer who inspired Jane to public service.

Jane has served as President of the Charitable Council of Monterey; Volunteer Director for the Carmel Bach Festival; and Board President of the Unitarian Universalist Church. She also organized a county-wide Summit in 1997, while serving as a Commissioner on the Monterey County Social Services Commission.

Jane graduated from Monterey High School, and earned her Bachelor's degree in International Economics from the Monterey Institute for International Studies.

As an Education Trustee, health services and small business advocate, Jane's priorities as Supervisor are to ensure the protection of essential services to citizens. As Supervisor, Jane will: fight to ensure access to community health care and County health services; safeguard County public safety programs; pursue sound land use principles such as city centered growth and a jobs housing balance; work to bring more affordable housing to the community; and advocate for policies to protect the quality of Monterey County's land, air, water.