Candidate for
Trustee; Riverside Community College District; Trustee Area 2

Education is a right not a privilege. As such, it should be accessible to all. In order to make this a reality, Trustees must dedicate more of their time to fumdraising (without raising fees)in more creative ways. As a result, fees will not have to be raised--a $10 or $15 increase in fees may not seem like much, but the poor and middle classes are barely keeping their heads above water as it is. This is especially true for older students, returning back to college, who already have degrees, and find themselves ineligible for financial aid availabie to undrgraduates. I remember times while in school when I had to go without food in order to pay for a book! No student should have to choose between food and an education.

I fully support all workers rights to organize and bargain. Assocaiations such as CSEA are a necessity. Without unions workers in any organization or institution (including R.C.C.)are vulnerale to disrespect and susceptible to being viewed as expendable. It is because of unions that there is a middle-class. We need unions to ensure workers earn a living wage while employed and have a sustainable income thereafter.