Q&A: Ron Bonhagen, 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 Bonhagen's responses.

What experience and training would you bring to this office?

Ron Bonhagen: Ron has lived and worked in the South Bay for over 5 years and has experience both as a small business owner and a community volunteer. Ron has business experience working for small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies and today he owns a small business. Ron's community leadership background includes leadership roles with neighborhood and citizen's associations in Campbell. Ron, his wife, Penny, and their two children ages 6 and 1 live in the Pruneyard Dry Creek neighborhood in Campbell.

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

Bonhagen: The role of the Board should be more of an oversight role in labor negotiations and the Board should not have a direct role. I see the Boards role is to ensure the effective and efficient use of public funds in all aspects of expenditures.

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

Bonhagen: My goals, as Trustee, are for: 1) the effective use of public funds to ensure the future success of the students, the district and the community that the district serves with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, 2) an independent approach free from special interest groups, and 3) ensuring the long term success of students and future generations of students. As your trustee, I will work with our colleges to provide the best educational opportunities that benefit all members of our community.