Alan Talansky for the San Mateo County Community College District Board of Trustees

Here’s a confession: I’m a voter who takes my civic responsibility seriously. I try to do “due diligence” and learn about the candidates running for lesser known offices, not just for Assembly or Congress.

Other than the candidates’ statements and promotional pieces, there often isn’t much of an opportunity to know them. Who are these people really? Although they may list endorsements from local leaders, sometimes I think that has an opposite effect. On the one hand it shows the candidate is well regarded, but on the other many voters are looking for change, and those endorsements often translate as “more of the same.”

I want my candidates to be action oriented, accountable, responsible, brimming with ideas, and committed to the greater good of the community.

That’s why I’m voting for Alan Talansky for the San Mateo County Community College District Board of Trustees. And yes, it’s because I got to know him through serving on a local non-profit board. What I’ve learned is that Alan is a dynamic, driven businessman who is completely dedicated to our community colleges and ensuring that ALL students receive an education focused on their success.

Alan also understands that there are ancillary issues that need to be addressed. For example, more transportation options to and from the colleges; more repurposed education for people of all ages that have lost their jobs; and more affordable housing for teachers and staff. He’s also been instrumental to the “Innovation Center Initiative”  centers at each college that nurture business creation and job growth.

Finally, what’s important to me is that Alan has a demonstrated track record of getting things done. He holds a number of community and county positions including being the Chairman of the San Mateo Community College District Bond Oversight Committee, a Board Director and Founder of The Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) in San Mateo, a member of the Police Athletic League (PAL) Chief’s Council, and a San Mateo County Economic Advisor to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

I hope you will join me in voting for Alan Talansky.