Ballot Statement

By Bernie Rhinerson

BERNIE RHINERSON, MPA Instructor, San Diego State University Administrator, San Diego Unified School District

As a College Trustee I will be a tireless advocate on behalf of more than 100,000 students who rely on Mesa College, City College, Miramar College and our Continuing Education campuses. For many students, community college is their only affordable access towards a college degree. For others, community college is where they learn job skills or, in times of economic dislocation, where they can be retrained to re-enter a challenging job market.

I will work to strengthen academic and career technical programs. Completion of an A.A. or A.S. degree must lead to placement in a 4-year college or university. Our career technical programs must also be linked to real world job opportunities. I will fight to prevent layoffs of professors and support staff. This extremely difficult economy is not the time to cut back on access to critically needed education and job training. I bring broad experience in education, business, and in the community and I will: 1) Fight for adequate education funding; 2) Advocate for a reduction in student tuition and fees; 3) Build stronger partnerships with businesses and collaborate with other educational institutions; and 4) Be a Fiscal Watchdog and clamp down on waste. Education dollars are tax dollars and they must be spent efficiently to educate students.

Professional Experience: College Instructor, San Diego State University. School Administrator, San Diego Unified School District. Former Small Business Owner, Public Relations Firm.

Education: Masters Degree, Public Administration, SDSU. Bachelors of Arts, Psychology, San Diego State University.

Community Service Experience and Awards: Chairman, San Diego County Water Authority; President, SDSU Alumni Association; Park and Recreation Board; Women's Resource Center Board; Advisory Board, College of Professional Studies, SDSU. Winner of awards for professional communications work including; Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award, PRSA Iva Irving Community Service Award, PRSA Bernays Awards, San Diego PTA Honorary Service Award, SDSU School of Public Affairs, Faculty Recognition Award.

Endorsed by: American Federation of Teachers San Diego Community College District Police Officers State Superintendent of Education Tom Torlakson All five current San Diego Community College District Board.