League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Clara, Santa Cruz County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Trustee; West Valley-Mission Community College District; Trustee Area 2

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Experience, Negotiations, Goals Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What experience and training would you bring to this office? Answer from Mark Little: First and foremost, I was a successful student athlete who chose the Junior College route. I attended West Valley Junior College where I maintained excellent grades and transfered to San Jose State University to earn my BS - Business Management. I understand what the student life is all about in this Junior College system, and was involved in the Student Government process at West Valley. In my career I have managed large project budgets dealing with many Cross-Business Unit and strategic planning initiatives. I have learned to wear the many different hats required to simply get the job done right. I understand the complexities that exist between different groups that all have their own agenda. I am a master at getting all parties to come together to achieve a common goal. As a former Quarterback for West Valley College, I learned to lead large groups of athletes in the pursuit of a common goal; to win. I am here to help West Valley and Mission Colleges both win in their pursuits to achieve their goals! Answer from Buck Polk: I have proudly served on the Board for the past six years and have worked extremely well with my Board colleagues listed above. In addition, I worked for 36 years in the Santa Clara School District, 31 of which were in school administration. I graduated from Santa Clara University and earned a Masters degree in School Administration from Stanford University. In this difficult economy our Board has a balanced budget for 2010-11. Tough choices were made: administrative costs were cut, staff was reduced, and operational costs contained. Despite those measures, I am confident both colleges will continue to deliver outstanding educational programs for our students. With experience in both public and private sectors, I will always support policies that allow our students every opportunity to be successful. I respectfully ask for your vote to continue this important work. 2. What do you see as the role of the board in labor negotiations? Answer from Mark Little: The role of the board in labor negotiations is to act responsibly both fiscally and socially. It is important to weigh out all of the options presented and assume nothing without all of the facts. I feel that budgets can often grow unnecessarily when too many parties are working without a common goal and focus. The board is here to maintain that focus and achieve the goal of a balanced, responsible budget. Answer from Buck Polk: The Board must set the specific fiscal and policy parameters for its Negotiating Team to engage with the various bargaining units. It must not actively engage in the negotiating process. The Board must insure that the financial integrity of the District be maintained to permit the District to continue its educational function. 3. What are your goals for the college? Are students, faculty and staff currently meeting those goals? Answer from Buck Polk: I know that to keep Silicon Valley thriving, today's students need strong 21st Century skill-sets with emphasis on Math, Technology and Science. All Students, Faculty and Staff are working hard to keep meeting these goals. As our College Board Trustee for Area 2, I have advocated, and will continue to support: We must continue to offer a wide variety of courses that meet the needs of all our students and that our faculty, staff, and counselors continue to assist the students in the successful completion of those courses. Expansion of core classes to facilitate university transfers Career and technical courses in high demand and emerging fields Flexible technology-enhanced curriculum to meet the workplace needs of the 21st century Increasing funds for student scholarships and continuing to reduce textbook costs Continue to ensure that the District delivers a balanced budget and remains on solid financial ground Answer from Mark Little: My goal is to create more streamlined processes for students and easier workflows for helping new students to get registered, apply for and receive financial aid, get a schedule that moves the students toward their educational goals, and helps students streamline their education. As a former student, I understand the difficulties that arise for new students that have no assistance or knowledge of the programs available to them. The current processes are not easy to navigate and cause many students to simply give up. I want to see students come to West Valley and/or Mission College and know exactly what to do in a Step-by-step flow. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. Answers must not refer directly or indirectly to another candidate. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.