League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Maria Ramos Fuentes Answers Questions Candidate for Trustee; San Jose/Evergreen Community College District; Trustee Area 4

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What experience and training would you bring to this office?

I have served as Trustee of the SJ/ECCD for 19 years. I have provided leadership during a time of great changes and advancement where the faculty and the entire staff are expected to extend themselves to fully respond to the business community and the students seeking an education to help them achieve their greatest life goals. In addition, I have a 30 year career as a manager and administrator of public mental health services, the last 20 years with the Santa Clara County Mental Health Department.

2. What do you see as the role of the board in labor negotiations?

It is the responsibility of the board to establish fair conditions for labor. This means that all must be fully informed about the fiscal picture and be part of the process in making future plans, the most difficult is budget cuts. The board must realize that as employes believe they are fairly treated at the work place, the outcomes of their work will be better. The board gives direction on all contract negotiations, as such is must be fully informed on the needs of the workers, the goals of the district in educating its students, the capacity of fiscal resources, while working with the chancellor as direction is given her and contracts are negotiated. The board must also be prepared to handle all grievances that may arise in the same fair manner. The ultimate goal of this entire process is to work together and to make sure all are cognizant of achieving the best outcomes for the students of the district. The board must ensure that labor has access and is included in the aignificant processes of the district.

3. What are your goals for the college? Are students, faculty and staff currently meeting those goals?

I am very proad to say that my goals for the colleges are being achieved, and that for the last 19 years I have provided leadership to this process with the other board members. My goals include providing the maximum access to all individuals seeking an education from our colleges, ensuring our classes are meeting the needs of the students today and into the future, and that we recruit, hire and retain the best qualified staff to meet the needs of the students, in particular that we hire the best qualified educators who are commited and dedicated to serving our students. I hope you will vote for me so that I can continue to provide leadership to achieve this.

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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.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 13, 2010 07:28
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