October 26, 2004 > Andrew MacRae Candidate for Ohlone Community College Board of Trustees, Seat #6

TCV: Briefly, what is your background and how does this relate to determining board policies?

MacRae: I have spent most of my adult life working in the high tech field, including a few years during which I started and ran my own company. I understand budgeting procedures and the importance of short, mid and long term planning. I have served on several city boards and commissions and in doing so have learned the skills needed to be part of a team, including when compromise is needed for consensus and when to stand on principle.

TCV: Why are you running for the board?

MacRae: I believe I can bring much needed energy and commitment to the college board. I am a whole-hearted supporter of public education, believing it to be the bedrock of a democratic nation.

TCV: What do you hope to accomplish, if elected?

MacRae: I believe the college board should be an active board, working with the administration to set the tone and tenor of the college's identity in the community. If elected to the Ohlone College Board of Trustees I will work to increase support for the college in the community and, in turn, shape the college's role in the community in order to ensure the college is meeting the community's needs.

TCV: What are the primary challenges currently facing the board and what skills do you have that will help meet these challenges?

MacRae: I see three primary challenges facing Ohlone College and its board. The first is maintaining a quality education for its students and a quality work environment for the college staff. The second is ensuring that the building of the new Newark Center and the renovation work on the main campus is accomplished efficiently and without waste of the public's money. The third challenge is working to ensure fair and adequate funding is provided by the state and exploring new sources of income.

TCV: Do you have a unique perspective or idea that you will advance on the board, if elected?

MacRae: I want to see increased cooperation between Ohlone College and the local school districts including more opportunities for high school students to take advance courses through the college.