STUDENTS ARE MY TOP PRIORITY

By Johnny Lorigo

One of the strengths that I bring to the Board is knowledge of the inner workings of Peralta from both the students and employees perspective

The three major issues in Peralta that need to be addressed are the district's fiscal solvency: equal access to quality education for students; and shared governance & participation of all stakeholders (i.e., faculty, staff & students.

Fiscal accountability must first be addressed by scrutinizing Peralta's past spending and financial priorities. I can't know how to proceed in the future without first understanding what happened in the past. Then I must learn the spending process: what role do all stakeholders have in the budgetary process? It will take all of us, including our state legislative leaders to solve or fiscal cricis.

A quality education cannot be attained by cutting staff who support student needs. That's like shooting ourselves in the feet! We must all have a voice in Peralta's future and not allow some employees to be sacraficed for others.

I see the role of a trustee as having responsiblity of safeguarding the interest of our respective constituent and the at-large community relative to accessibility of a quality public education and proper use of public funds.

I am proud to say that I am endorsed by my two sons, significant others and my priest Father Jay Matthews. The labor support I have from all the unions, faculty and student groups(I am endorsed by both student trustees)and many political and community leaders.

I would be honored to have you add you name to my long list of distinquished ensorsers. I ask for your support and endorsement. Please vote yes for Johnny Lorigo as your representative in Area 2 for Peralta College Trustee on Tuesday, November 2,2004.