Candidate for
Trustee; Allan Hancock Joint Community College District; Trustee Area 4

Candidates Statement

First, we, the Lompoc/Santa Maria community should do everything we can to encourage our young adults to continue their education past high school. "Stay in school" does not apply just to high school, but to college as well. Educating our young people is key to enhancing our community's prosperity. Allan Hancock College's (AHC) primary purpose is to prepare our local citizens to complete their education at a four-year college, or to teach them skills that will enable them to secure good employment, earning living wages and benefits, upon graduation from AHC.

Second, quality education for our students starts with first class facilities, faculty and staff. AHC should not rank near the bottom of any list ranking facilities or faculty and staff qualifications and pay. As affluent as Santa Barbara County is, AHC should rank near the top of these lists.

Third, if elected, I promise that I will remain accessible. If there is any AHC issue that you would like to discuss with me, I will make myself available. I strongly believe that elected officials are accountable to their constituency. Students, parents, staff, faculty, the board of trustees, and administration should always be communicating. I'm always willing to sit down over a cup of coffee or a burger and coke.

Fourth, Santa Maria/Lompoc is a very diverse community, rich with culture and a rainbow of beautiful colors. The AHC student body, faculty, and staff should reflect that diversity.

Also, I will never forget, or let the AHC administration forget, that they work for the board, not the other way around. I refuse to be a rubber stamp trustee.