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LWV League of Women Voters of California
San Mateo County, CA November 4, 2003 Election
Smart Voter Full Biography for Karen Ann Schwarz

Candidate for
Board Member; San Mateo County Community College District

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

My husband, Frank, and I moved with our children, Katie and Jake, from San Francisco to the Serramonte area of Daly City in 1973. Katie and Jake attended public schools in the SSF Unified School District--Serra Vista Elementary School, Alta Loma Junior High School and El Camino High School. As our children grew, I became actively involved in their school's PTA and booster programs. Frank spent a great deal of time coaching little league baseball, youth basketball and AYSO soccer. Serramonte was our home until 1994. With our children in graduate school, Frank and I decided to move to Redwood City. We have lived in the Woodside Plaza area of Redwood City ever since.

Frank and I started a painting contracting firm in 1981. Our company has continuously operated out of San Francisco, providing union-quality work to our customers. Managing our company from day one, I have learned what it takes to grow a business into a sustainable entity.

In 1987, I became a board member for the San Mateo County Board of Education. Leveraging my involvement in my children's schools with the knowledge gained from running a business, I served dutifully until 1994. With my daughter's attendance at Skyline College, I began to believe I could contribute to the San Mateo County Community College District. Therefore, I decided to try to become a Trustee and in 1995 I was elected to my first term.

Some candidates try to serve because the District is a county-wide office that could serve as a springboard to different offices. I serve because I believe our schools are precious commodities. I have no ambition to move into any other position or run for "higher" office. My heart has been and remains dedicated to serving the San Mateo County community and its community colleges.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 31, 2003 16:12
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