Why I want to be your MPC Trustee

By Leigh Rodriguez

This election will provide Area 2 voters with an opportunity to elect a person who is sensitive to their needs and concerns.

As an MPC Trustee I will use my legal education and training and my experience as an attorney in representing business concerns to advocate and develop partnerships with the college and local business and industry.

MPC currently has institutonal missions and goals, and one its goals is to "(b)uild MPC into an economic driving force for the Monterey area by supporting and developing programs that teach employable skills." I would like this goal achieved and would work hard in implementing that goal.

I would like to further enhance some of the vocational and skills programs at MPC, such as the nursing program, the dental assisting program, the EMT program, and the fire science program. I would like to possibly add in the future vocational programs which fit local business needs.

Because the area has a high level, compared to other areas of the district, of people without a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree, I would like MPC to provide outreach to the area's citizenry with regard to the educational opportunities at the the Marina Education Center.

I would like MPC to provide more outreach to the local high schools in our area with respect to the advantages of attending MPC, as well as providing them with information concerning its vocational programs, educational opportunities, and areas of instruction.

I would like MPC to continue to be an opportunity for students to complete their general education requirements and transfer to four year institutions.