Q&A: Ben Hernandez, Candidate for West Valley-Mission Community College District Board

Four candidates are vying for your support in the West Valley Mission Community College District Board of Trustees election Nov. 6, 2012 where there are two seats up for grabs, which represent areas 2 and 6.

They are:

• Incumbent board of trustees president Adrienne Grey
• Incumbent trustee Robert T. Owens
• Ben Hernandez
• Ron Bonhagen

The California League of Women Voters asked the candidates the following questions and these are Hernandez's responses.

What experience and training would you bring to this office?

Ben Hernandez: 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 under-served 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.

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

Hernandez: 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 WVMCCD priorities. I will be an advocae for transparency and mutual trust.

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

Hernandez: 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. Board members 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.