League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Ben Hernandez Answers Questions Candidate for 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.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

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

I have four decades of experience in communications, marketing, and multimedia technology. I will be an asset to expand community engagement, especially to returning veterans and socioeconomically-challenged students. Our underserved communities need Trustees to engage the small business and corporate leaders in partnerships to provide mentoring and internship opportunities and apprentice work experience. I have been a community activist for Educational excellence, equity, and opportunity, via grassroots community organizing, print media promotion and multimedia platforms. I value the input and priorities of the communities I serve.

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

The Board of Trustees set a collaborative tone with higher education leaders and the chancellor to conduct the labor negotiation teams with respect. These labor negotiation teams will develop open and good faith negotiations that lead to positive agreements and settlements. As an elected Trustee for Area 2, representing the communities of Sunnyvale, portions of Cupertino and Santa Clara, I will vote to make best use of local, state, and federal funding to provide adequate financial resources for educators, staff, and employees of WVMCCD. We must clarify and refocus our student academic, career and vocational WVMCC district priorities. I will be an advocae for transparency and mutual trust.

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

Our common vision is to promote and support higher education goals and priorities that ensure students set and meet their academic, career and vocational goals. Staff, professors and community college leadership must focus on student success. Access and inclusion are not enough and we must identify and provide necessary resources to focus on goal completion. I believe community voice and input must be a part of policy decisions. Together we can promote civic engagement towards our mission to achieve the American college graduation dream! Instruction and learning must be innovative and may include real world job experience, internships and mentoring. WVMCC district is in the heart of Silicon Valley and we will provide 21st Century world class instruction. Our students and graduates will be prepared to be successful in a global economy. I understand my role as Trustee Area 2 is to represent your voices. Boardmembers are elected from Area Districts. I will be honored to be elected WVMCC Area 2 Trustee as your representative for Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Cupertino communities and families.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Please answer each question in no more than 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

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

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 17, 2012 19:49
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