Candidate for
Trustee; Fremont-Newark Community College District; Area 1, Seat 2

http://www.bonaccorsi.us/index.html

Dear Friends and Supporters:

On November 5, 2002, I am seeking election for Trustee to the Ohlone College Board, Area 1, Seat No. 2.

Why is this race important? Ohlone College has a projected budget next year of approximately $50 million. With the successful passage of Measure A, a $150 million bond measure, the Ohlone Board will monitor the construction of a new campus in Newark and renovation of the existing Fremont campus. Yet, when can you remember an election where there was a serious debate about Ohlone College's mission and goals? How often have races gone uncontested with members serving years-even decades-at a time, with turnover occurring only because of death or retirement? I was the first to announce that I was running for Seat No. 2 and the first to challenge an incumbent.

I grew up in Fremont, attended its public schools, and come from a family of educators. I earned my bachelor's and law degrees from Santa Clara University. I am a partner in the Law Firm of Bernard, Balgley & Bonaccorsi, and have been practicing law for 15 years in Fremont and Newark.

I co-chaired the Fremont Unified School District's successful Measure B Health and Safety Bond campaign after taking a leadership role crafting the bond measure as a member of the Bond Proposal's Steering Committee. As co-chair, I learned the importance of listening and valuing all viewpoints, and building coalitions among various groups to support common goals.

I want to bring that same energy, enthusiasm, and coalition building to the Ohlone Board through:

Accountability... 1) Delivering Measure A's $150 million bond projects within budget and on time; 2) Encouraging input from students, faculty, business, labor, and all sectors of our community for an open and informed decision-making process; 3) Same-day televising of Ohlone Board meetings.

Closer Collaboration... Holding joint Ohlone school board meetings with Fremont and Newark Unified to effect a smoother transition for students when they leave high school to attend Ohlone.

Outreach ... Promoting Ohlone to local businesses through Ohlone's Business Leadership Council and workforce development programs.

The Argus, in a February 2002 editorial, called for an overhaul of the Ohlone Board and hoped that "the winds of change" in the upcoming election would blow into a "hurricane." I have the energy and ideas to bring about that change. I seek your vote to make it happen.

Yours truly,

David Bonaccorsi

Bonaccorsi for Ohlone Board #1246745