Frank Jewett, Chris Constantin and Joy Atkins are all sitting board members representing the area that includes Campbell and West San Jose. But because of redistricting, only two of the three seats remain.

There are another three candidates—incumbent Bob Owens, Christopher Stampolis and Ronald Stasiak—running for two seats in Area 2, which includes Santa Clara and portions of San Jose near Valley Medical Center.

Even though the candidates must reside in the areas they represent, they are elected to represent the district at large. So residents of Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno and Campbell will still see all the names of the candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot.

The seats of board President Jack Lucas and Trustee Jeffrey Schwartz, who represent Area 1, which includes Los Gatos, Saratoga and parts of San Jose, as well as that of Trustee Kevin Moore, who represents Area 2, are not up for re-election.

Over the last four years, Santa Clara's population growth created the need for redistricting. Area 3 lost one trustee, while Area 2 gained one trustee, according to Ruth Carlson, the district's director of public affairs.

The candidates were given the opportunity to speak to the public, present their platforms and respond to questions at a Sept. 30 forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Saratoga News, Los Gatos Weekly-Times, The Campbell Reporter and the American Association of University Women.

Area 3 incumbents Jewett, Constantin and Atkins were all present at the forum. Area 2 incumbent Owens was also present, while Stampolis walked into the forum late and Stasiak could not attend because of prior commitments.

The candidates were questioned about how, if elected, they could encourage transfers to four-year colleges.

Constantin stressed the importance of helping district staff to pursue more articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities. With more University of California schools cutting down on enrollment openings, Owens said the community college system is going to need to handle the possible influx in students. Jewett suggested bringing a four-year university center to the community college district for students who can't leave the area to pursue four-year degrees.

When asked how the community colleges uniquely contribute to the community and how each candidate contributes, Atkins said it's important for trustees to serve the needs of the community and the taxpayers who have elected them to office.

"I think that's what they meant when they put the 'community' in community colleges," Jewett said. "It truly is a concept of trying to leave nobody behind."

Constantin spoke about needing to better define the people who utilize West Valley and Mission community colleges, from unemployed residents and senior citizens to high school students "who would normally fall through the cracks."

"My thought is we have to encourage our college presidents to work and be active members of the community," Owens said.

When questioned about the Measure H bond campaign that will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot to modernize the district's outdated facilities, each candidate supported passage of the initiative.

"Our maintenance crews have done a good job keeping up the buildings, but there's a limit to what they can do," Atkins said.

Jewett said if the community members understand where the bond money will go and why it's necessary, "the initiative will pass overwhelmingly." Constantin said the measure gives residents the opportunity to decide if funding should come to the district, and Owens accentuated the long-term benefits of the measure.

Stampolis, who walked into the forum as the last question was being addressed by the candidates, said it doesn't take long to walk around both campuses to tell they need improvement. He brought up the importance of involving the public in dialogue surrounding Measure H and mitigating impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods should construction and renovation move forward.

Campaign fundraiser

To further support Measure H, district officials will be taking to the microphone showing off their karaoke skills. Administrators such as District Chancellor Stan Arterberry, West Valley College's new president, Phil Hartley, and four members of the district's board of trustees will be performing for a live audience. They'll be doing this on their own vacation time, Carlson said, since employees can't advocate for a campaign while working for the district.

Proceeds from the event support Friends of the West Valley­Mission Community College District, which is spearheading the Measure H bond campaign. The event is being sponsored by the Association of College Educators and the district's academic senates. It will take place on Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. in the Baltic Room at West Valley College.

For more information, contact ACE president Pat Andrews at 408.741.2534.