Coast Community College District

Two seats on the five-board of the Coast Community College District will be decided by voters in the Nov. 3 election. DISTRICT 3

Beach Bryan Bridges Age: 40. Occupation: Teachers’ assistant at Golden West College. Background: Holds associate of arts degree from Golden West College; volunteered time to several state legislative candidates, Air Force veteran. Priorities: Demand that the state give districts more freedom in spending funds; focus district resources on vocational training and students who transfer to universities; reduce the number of administrators; halt spending on non-educational items such as cultural clubs. Curtis Jones Age: 44. Occupation: Training and development coordinator for an aerospace company. Background: Graduate of Golden West College, served on Westminster School District Board of Education, has lived in area for more than 30 years. Priorities: Focus curriculum on developing employment skills for the future; use colleges to retrain displaced workers; urge state lawmakers to ease regulations on community colleges. Armando R. Ruiz Age: 49. Occupation: Incumbent; businessman and counselor at Saddleback College. Background: Served on Coast Community College of Board of Trustees for nine years; co-owner of a Mexican restaurant in Long Beach; former board member of Orange County’s United Way Priorities: Give classroom instruction first priority in funding; control costs as much as possible; maintain a high level of student performance despite tight finances; work closely with business to generate programs and income for the district. Earl J. Ziemann Age: 28. Occupation: Small-business owner. Background: Holds associate degree from Golden West College, handles finances for his business. Priorities: Foster communication among teachers, students and administrators; keep class sizes down; maintain a high quality of education; make scholarships financed by private industry available to needy students. DISTRICT 2 Parts of Westminster, Garden Grove and Midway City Richard F. Avard Age: 57. Occupation: Roof-coating manufacturer. Background: Holds engineering degree from Oregon State University, co-founder of Taxpayers Action Network of Orange County, educated in economics, business and history. Priorities: Look for ways to cut costs, such as contracting services to private companies if cost-efficient; focus curriculum according to needs of business; examine possible alternative teaching methods used in other countries. Nancy A. Pollard Age: 53. Occupation: Incumbent; attorney. Background: Member of Coast Community College Board of Trustees since 1983, current board president, former student and employee at Golden West College Priorities: Foster fiscal responsibility; prevent staff and faculty layoffs; maintain class availability for elderly students.