Modesto Bee Candidate Questionairre

By Carolyn Lott

This contains the questions the Modesto Bee asked candidates to prepare an article. The text contains my answers.

What is your full, legal name? Carolyn Elizabeth Lott (prior last name...Ratto)

What is the primary reason you are running for YCCD trustee? I believe strongly in the power of education and rewards of public service. I want to use my passion and talents to help sustain educational excellence for students within the district. Through the position of trustee, I will able to affect how the educational experiences offered within the district help support students" success, the local economy and quality of life

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? Students' success is my top priority. If elected, every decision I make from the budget to faculty/staff relationships, from capital investments to hiring a chancellor, will be made by weighing the impact the decision will have on student success.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? While I share experience in education with others, I am the only candidate who has direct experience in an elected office. I have a proven track record in planning for the future, sticking to plans in the face of pressure from special interests, working with colleagues at the state and national levels for the betterment of the local community, being responsive to constituents, and practicing multi-year budgeting to help navigate through fiscal cycles. I am also the only candidate with professional training and experience in public policy facilitation. My skills in collaboration will be invaluable in working within the board structure and with staff, faculty, and students.

What quality do you see as most important in a chancellor? The most important quality the chancellor should possess is that of leadership. Leadership is necessary to empower others, make strides toward achieving the district's and campuses' visions, turn challenges into opportunities, and sustain a positive learning environment for students.

Where do you work and what is your job title? (If retired, list position before retirement) I retired from UC Merced as the Senior Program Manager for the Great Valley Center. I currently work part-time as a lead/senior facilitator/mediator. I contract primarily with the Center for Collaborative Policy, CSU Sacramento.

What date were you born and where? I was born on July 16, 1951 in Oakland, CA.

What is your spouse's name, if any? Names and ages of your children, if any? My spouse's name is Lonald Lott. My children are Rebecca Ratto, 35, Luke Ratto, 33, Joslyn Hibma, 33 and Jessica Ratto, 28.

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when. I graduated from Bishop O'Dowd High School in 1969. I graduated from Holy Names University with a B.A. in English and also received a Lifetime Clear Elementary Teaching Credential.

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office? (Include dates and office title) Yes. I was appointed to the Turlock Park and Recreation Commission in 1984 and the Turlock Planning Commission in 1988. I was elected to the Turlock City Council in 1990, 1994, and 1998.

Have you run before for an elected public office? (Include dates and exact office title) Yes. I ran and was elected to Turlock City Council in 1990, 1994, and 1998.

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? $3000

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? If so, please explain and include dates and locations. No

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy? If so, please include dates and the location the bankruptcy was filed. No

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING CONTACT INFORMATION

Facebook: Carolyn Lott for YCCD Trustee Cell: 209-402-2024 Email: carolynlott@sbcglobal.net