Introduction

By Albert Chang

This is a letter that I wrote to friends and supporters as I was preparing to announce my candidacy for the Rowland Unified Board of Education.

After a great deal of reflection and discussion with family and friends, I have decided to run for the Board of Education of the Rowland Unified School District, in the November 4th, 2003 election. My campaign for the School Board will revolve around three central themes. These "3 C's" are Community, Compassion, and Commitment.

Community: As a life-long Rowland Heights resident, I have seen our community change in unbelievable ways. I believe that it is not only important to understand how our community works, but how it has developed over the past 25 years. I believe that this insight will allow me to take a different perspective to approaching and ultimately solving many of the issues that the district encounters.

Compassion: I have worked in public service for many years, from volunteering to working full-time in a congressional office, and believe me when I say this, I have seen the nastiness and pettiness of politics up close and personal; I don't like it and have never liked it, and you as a voter should expect more from your candidates. I refuse to accept the excuse of "politics as usual" and it is my promise to you that I will only campaign on facts, issues, ideas, and policy and will not participate in personal attacks on the other candidates or other forms of negative campaigning.

Commitment: From primary school to college, I am proud to be a product of the California public school system. I began and ended my K-12 education in the Rowland Unified School District. First I attended Jellick Elementary, then moved onto Alvarado Intermediate, and completed John A. Rowland High School in June of 1996. I earned two Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Political Science and Asian American Studies from the University of California, Irvine in June of 2000. I am committed to public education and I want to ensure that the same quality education I received when I was a student within the Rowland District is readily available to our current students. My goal is to knock on every door in the Rowland Unified School District. I want to hear your concerns and your ideas on how we can work together to improve our schools.

Please visit my website at http://www.ElectAlbertChang.com for additional information regarding my candidacy. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me by email at albert@electalbertchang.com or by phone at (626) 854-0248. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Albert Chang Candidate, ID #1255966 Rowland Unified School Board