Richard Fuentes is running for Peralta Community College District Trustee, marking the second time he’s tossed his hat into the elections ring. The last time, long-time West Oakland resident and land-use activist Steve Lowe launched this invective in his direction on this blog; it will be interesting to learn the reaction this time around.
As for me, I think Richard has matured as a person, and deserves a shot in his effort to improve education. The District 7 seat he wants to fill is currently held by Abel Guillen, who’s running for the Oakland City Council District Two Seat.
Here’s Richard:
Oakland, CA – Hoover School Site President and community activist Richard Fuentes is excited to announce his candidacy for the Peralta Community College District. Richard begins the race with strong support from Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Peralta Community College Vice President Meredith Brown, Oakland School Board President David Kakishiba, Oakland Vice Mayor Larry Reid and numerous additional elected and community leaders.
“I have always been committed to education,” said Richard Fuentes. “As the first person in my family to graduate from college, I understand firsthand the importance a good education can have on your life, your family, and the community.”
“I am running to continue my mission, which began at the age of 17, to improve the quality of and access to education for everyone in my community. Everyone deserves a quality education, whether for academic advancement, job skills development or life long learning, and our Peralta Colleges exist to fill those needs. Whether to prepare our youth to succeed in today’s global economy or retrain workers so they are equipped for current work opportunities, I will work to constantly improve our Peralta colleges. I will strive to keep them relevant through collaborations with professors, students, administrators and the community at large and be diligent about assuring sound and reliable fiscal management.”
Fuentes has been constructively involved in education for many years. When Hoover Elementary School parents asked him to help address the concerns of Hoover’s Spanish-speaking parents, his resulting effectiveness led him to serve on the Hoover School Site Council. His ideas and initiatives for improvements that truly helped students, teachers, and parents subsequently led to his election as President of the Hoover School Site Council. As President, Fuentes spearheaded several programs that have transformed Hoover Elementary into the most improved elementary school in West Oakland.
“My decision to run is about my ongoing commitment to serve people in my community. We need trustees on the Board who place student interests first; people who are not afraid to be leaders, and people who understand how to set sound educational policies for the classroom and see that they are implemented – action not just talk,” said Fuentes.
Fuentes has early support from a wide array of elected and community leaders including Assemblymember Rob Bonta. “Richard’s experience in improving educational outcomes for Oakland students shows he has the commitment and policy skills necessary to lead. Richard understands the importance of our community colleges in training the East Bay’s future leaders and skilled workforce, and Richard’s record of preparing students for success will serve the Peralta Community College District well. I welcome the opportunity to work with Richard to address the challenges facing the Peralta Community College District and to help ensure that all members of our communities have access to the high-quality, college education that is best for them,” says Bonta.
“Richard demonstrates everyday his commitment to education,” says Meredith Brown, Vice-President of the Peralta Community College Board. “He knows how important educational opportunity is and he is committed to making sure that our students have access to education, to possibilities, and to success.”
Fuentes is running for the open seat to represent Area 7 on the Peralta Community College Board.
Zennie Abraham | Zennie Abraham or “Zennie62” is the founder of Zennie62Media which consists of zennie62blog.com and a multimedia blog news aggregator and video network, and 78-blog network, with social media and content development services and consulting. Zennie is a pioneer video blogger, YouTube Partner, social media practitioner, game developer, and pundit. Note: news aggregator content does not reflect the personal views of Mr. Abraham.