Candidate for
Member, Board of Trustees; San Mateo County Board of Education; Trustee Area #4

My philosophy is to be your public servant. I have no past, present or future conflicts with this board nor do I intend to be influenced by external interests. I am an active, engaging individual who intends to enforce the laws and duties of this board.

Since the County Board of Education is particularly unique in that it oversees other districts, in personnel, district transfers from school to school, and juvenile detention and incarceration of our youth, my background in the legal and business management will be exceptionally relevant. I believe none of my competing candidates can match my experience in education, management of organizations, and public relations.

The recent Oct. 18, 2004 San Jose Mercury Newspaper article on the failing California Youth Authority points simply to the inadequacies of our system. Like the penal court system, our education of detained young offenders needs to be improved. I will ensure that the system gets the needed funding to improve classroom facilities, update computer and textbook resources, and recruit credentialed teachers and staff. Our schools are the leveling field in our great democracy. We must not let our youth down. For too long, our 3 detention centers in San Mateo County have been neglected. We must focus on improving our youth centers so that these incarcerated young adults do not "revolve" in and out of the system. Someday they will never improve and remain "hardened criminals," perpetual wards of the court. Do we want these young adults back in our neighborhoods? Of course not.

My rich background in Human Biology research, psychology and public administration will dove tail my legal expertise and education. I will be a great asset to this public board which is in dire need of wider representation from different sectors of the community.

My qualifications are listed earlier. But I also have been characterized by my peers as one who:

• is an independent, proactive public servant.

• I want to make our schools modern with up-to-date equipment and instructional textbooks.

• Our schools need to be connected to the internet. Our schools need leaders who understand today's complicated youth. Our school personnel are our great resource who need to be given training and materials so our other great resource, our children, excel. For our incarcerated at our secured youth detention centers like Hillcrest School, internet connection will allow students access to established relatives, friends, and others. Allow them skills to advance. Allow more access to enriching programs. Equally so, allow our schools to receive the needed funding to excel. My contacts with Assemblyman Leland Yee and Gene Mullin, former teacher, will dovetail my advocacy for enhancing school programs and funding teaching staff and personnel.

• Our school boards are a reflection of our society. However without the right leaders, we will not implement change for the improvement of our students and future leaders. We need positive, proactive change now!

• Change is needed now to ensure that all students regardless of race, color, national origin or religion are treated well and have a voice in the Education Office.

• Elect F.A. AMISTAD to best represent all students. Amistad is the voice of experience and our students.

• I have no past, present, and/or future conflicts of interest. I have no direct or indirect relationships with this board. I want to ensure fair representation for our students, and particularly, the silent disabled students.