Students and friends, Im humbled by the people/voters of Area 4 in re-electing me to the Rio Hondo College Board for another four years. Im continually very grateful.
I would like to thank the students and supporters who had faith in my service by walking precincts and talking to voters in Area 4. Truly grateful. Thank you!
It’s never easy. I’ve been an Independent Public Servant for over twelve years beholden to NO political boss, groups of politicians or interest groups. I prefer this despite the tremendous opposing odds. Nonetheless, Im safe in the knowledge that my “bosses” are the people of my community and I’ve always conducted my service with this as the highest value.
As you may know, on this campaign I was vastly outnumbered, out financed 5-1, ganged-up on by politicians, and campaigned against by Faculty and other groups. This has been the mode of elections in my Area for over twelve years. The campaign I ran was humble (in many ways), strategic, efficient, effective and truly a campaign of the people. ( http://gary-mendez.blogspot.com/2011/11/politikate-do.html)
As a former student leader and community activist, I have a deep love for our college and would (continue to) endure harsh circumstance and criticism to see that my community and student are well served by Rio Hondo College.
This is demonstrated by my unwavering wiliness to let “bygones be bygones” after each election. I don’t hold grudges, never have. I go back to loving and caring for the people who oppose me (faculty & staff) so that they may continue to love and care about you. It’s really simple for me.
They say students “come and go” and I understand it’s hard to see what I’ve delivered for you, but allow me to demonstrate. The new and remolded buildings at Rio were initiated by a small group of board members of which I’m the only remaining member. Go Rio, Veteran’s Priority Registration, the South Whittier Education Center, and other initiatives were implemented in my tenure on the board.
The point is this…Im here on the Board to serve my community and the students of Rio Hondo. Being Independent, I get to choose and shape my service unbeholden to later report back to my community in election cycles. Thus far, my community approves of my service.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves, work together, and leave the campaigns behind and work to guarantee your success at Rio Hondo. GO RIO!
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