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VOTE DanaRose Crystal For NOCCCD Board of Trustees Area 4 |
In the Fullerton College student government: I ran for President of the Associated Students; A.S. Recorder ( Secretary ); Student Trustee. I did not win, though I was appointed Senator in Spring 2007 and Fall 2007 and was Senate Member.
I was elected Secretary of Inter-Club Council and served for one year ( superbly ).
At Cypress College, I served as Programmer, which was helping to serve and plan events.
At the Student Senate of California Community Colleges, I ran for Student-at-Large Senator, and did not win; I was elected Secretary of Region VIII.
PART III *Office Sought: Trustee of the North Orange County Community College District.
*Why are you running for this office?
I have long wanted to share my ideas, ideals, vision, energy, values within a substantial enough position within this district. I know I am needed here, and have full confidence that I am the best amongst the three candidates running for this office.
*How long have you lived in the city/district where you are running?
More than 15 years --since 1993.
*What skills and experience do you bring to this office?
I've served in Fullerton College student government for 2 years, not only within the inside needs of student government itself, but I also served on ( and attended/participated in ) campus and district committees --( Curriculum, Study Abroad, PAC, Faculty Senate, Alumni, DPC --and participated in Student Summit meetings and the spring 2007 and 2008 annual summit meetings of the district ), so I am aware of issues and concerns of students faculty, classified employees and all.
*If elected, what are the most important issues you plan to address?
Responsible and wise expenditure of district funds ( i.e., cutting-out waste ); increasing the number of full-time faculty -- our part-time teachers are forced to take part-time jobs in other districts in order to make a decent living, which puts them at great stress in terms of long weekly commutes and less protection and benefits. We also risk losing them to other, richer districts. We must support our teachers.
The fancy, superfluous buildings seem to be of little real use --they are for puffery. Since the district must pay a percentage of the state funds awarded to it, they are not free, and drain money that could be used for better things. I say that new buildings should serve curriculum needs and maintance and purchase of equipment to help students -and increased funding for tutors and lab assistants.
Increasing the hours of operation at the library and computer labs would benefit night students and give employment opportunies to those who need jobs.
Student awareness and involvement in decision-making should not be solely the province of student government, which amounts to tokenism. All students should be listened to.
Originally, I registered as Independent -- but that locked me out of voting in primaries for whom I wanted. My dad had the same idea, years ago --being "independent" is an ideal. At any rate, my ideals are Democratic, so here I am.
*Describe your civic or community involvement?
I help the Fullerton Historic Theatre Society (FHTS) with the Fox Theatre. I've done indoor work and also wrote articles designed for promotion.
*Why do you think the Democratic Party fo OIrange County should endorse you?
Because I live, breathe, and stand by Democratic ideals; because my voice is sorely needed within the NOCCCD ( and because the NOCCCD has been stagnant for too long ).
I can't name a figure of how much. That will depend upon the vigor of my campaign, my volunteers, and my supporters. As much as I can raise, to help raise voter awareness.
Yes. Everyone has a right to live with dignity and have equal opportunity for advancement and prosperity.
*Do you support legislation to guarantee that students are safe and free from harassment and discrimination based on actual and/or perceived sexual orientation or identity?
Yes. Absolutely, though I also want such laws implemented responsibly and honestly.
*The Legislative Analyst's office is proposing a 30% increase in community college tuition from $20 to $26. Do you support this increase, why or why not? What other options do you propose to keep tuition costs to a minimum?
I do not support the increase --many cannot afford even $20 per unit. In support of increase, some cite the much higher tuition in other states. But in order for lower-income people ( who don't qualify for BOGW )to have a chance for better jobs, the tuition must be affordable.
*Do you support the concept of local control of community colleges? Please explain why?
NO. It sounds like a fine concept --but the NOCCCD have abused it. There have been multiple violations of state and federal laws, as well as towards the teachers' union, who dug in their heels and fought the Fullerton College President and the NOCCCD board members who backed up her decision to refuse to sign-off on curriculum changes. United Faculty took this matter to point of lawsuit.
There have been other incidents and violations of state and federal law which cannot be allowed to stand nor continue. It may sound scary or bad to have a centralized government make decisions or settle matters, but it may be the only way community colleges will strongly adhere to the laws of the land, instead of behaving like a ruritanian government, only answerable to itself.
*What restrictions, if any, do you think should be imposed on contracting-out of classified employee positions?
Contracted-out positions should necessitate skills either unique or rare, and short-term.
*Do you support an ordinance or policy that would require a sustainable wage and benefits be paid to anyone contracting within your city limits?
Yes
*Do you support requiring that construction companies working on city projects pay prevailing wage to their employees?
Yes. I've read some about this. Some say the construction workers don't need and hand-holding by the government and that this rule would force hiring of skilled laborers even when not needed. But a more salient point was made by those who fear that without this, companies would hire from counties with lower-cost-of-living, in order to pay less wages. I believe in fair wages, and Orange County needs more jobs available to its residents.
*What is your position regarding the extension of the 241 toll road?
Though the Environmental Impact Report approved it, so much continuing disagreement shows a need that attention must be paid.
The experts whose opinions I read suggest an alternative route, which would bypass Trestles Beach and Native American sites in the area, such as the ancient Acjachemen village of Panhe. This seems to be the safest solution --though it has not been discussed as much.
*What steps would you propose your district take to lower the cost of textbooks for students?
Have direct talks with publishers about the need for new editions. But other districts use methods such as book loan programs and increased reserve section books. Allow teachers to use trade paperbacks or Internet options --naming textbooks as "optional" instead of "required." But increased use of internet and pdf files would be a "green" solution as well.
*What green/sustainable building practices do you propose be implemented in your district?
Going green pays in the long run, and isn't that much trouble in the first place. Orange Coast College chose to go green, and so could NOCCCD. Sustainable buildings cost less to heat, cool and light translating to lower operating costs. We could add solar panels, use double-paned windows. Daylighting buildings is healthier than too much fluorescent.
Daylighting reduces the need for electrical lighting and cooling, and can cut lifetime energy expenses by
30 to 70 percent. It also makes school buildings more attractive, and improves students� health and productivity. Daylighting includes baffles, roof monitors, skylights, and clerestory structures, not just eyelevel
windows. The design must bring in diffuse light, not direct sunlight, which adds heat. [ Source: Leonardo Academy.org ---http://www.leonardoacademy.org/download/sustainableschools.pdf ]