Candidate for
Board Member; Contra Costa Community College District; Ward 3

Political Philosophy

This section contains both my political philosophy and a more general philosophy of life. I believe that public servants should serve the public not private interests and especially should not believe that they are only acting on their own personal feelings and attitudes.

For convenience, I have listed my major qualifications for public office (specifically for the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board Ward 3 but also those that reflect that I am already an elected park commissioner in my community) and then the goals I have when I am elected (which I have developed by talking with both District staff and listening to the public including elected officials).

QUALIFICATIONS

20-years experience as a financial analyst: 3 years as a researcher, 3 years at a utility regulatory agency, 8 years on Wall Street at Merrill Lynch and Salomon Brothers, 6 years with my own firm.

8-years experience as a high school math teacher: 2 public high schools, 2 private high schools, and a private K-8 school.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, University of Florida, 1975.

Master's degree in Economics, University of Florida, 1976.

Single Subject (Mathematics) Teaching Credential, California State University, East Bay, 2004.

Elected Member of the Ambrose Recreation and Park District Board 2002-present.

5th District County Library Commissioner appointed by Supervisor Federal Glover 2004-present.

GOALS

Create an easy-to-understand financial ranking for the College District, revised monthly and issued independently of the College District's administration.

Visit city councils and other elected or appointed bodies to increase awareness of the College District as well as increase the willingness of elected officials to support the District.

Visit high schools to meet with teachers to see what it would take for them to encourage their students to attend District colleges both before and after they graduate.

Work with District personnel to expand the successful program to connect District English faculty with high school English faculties to other subject areas.

Work with State Senator Tom Torlakson and likely Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier to have the Legislature commit to reducing community college student tuition, in stages, to zero because the State receives far more increased tax revenue from a student learning new skills than the revenue lost from not receiving tuition payments.

Work with District personnel to create a regular competitive situation report which would anticipate the planned actions of competitors such as Heald College, Silicon Valley College, Western Career College, etc. so that the District can be prepared rather than always being reactive.

Work with District personnel to determine how quickly the salary reductions imposed on District staff (who had nothing to do with the reasons for the financial crisis but suffered from it) can be eliminated and the prior salary levels restored.

Work with District personnel and Los Medanos College personnel to assist the effort of the LMC President to establish a high school as part of LMC as has been successful for years at Contra Costa College.

Support the negotiation of appropriate Project Labor Agreements for the $286 million of bond funds approved by vote of the public to renovate and expand District facilities. These PLAs usually significantly reduce the risk of construction delays and assure higher quality of work. Support having a PLA requirement for local workers to be able to have an appropriate number of jobs.

Continue visiting District college campuses as started during the campaign. Ask students, faculty, and staff what improvements are needed at each campus (and center). Invite other elected officials to participate as well including State Senator Tom Torlakson, County Supervisors, City Councilmembers, School Boardmembers, and others.

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