Patricia N. Harada: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: WilmetteWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Oakton CollegeAge: 54Family: Married, 2 sons, ages 22 and 26 25 year Wilmette residentOccupation: Entrepreneur. COO of GCLIGHTITECH, a new division of Global Capital Ltd. that provides energy project financing solutions and LED lighting products. Arbitrator, Circuit Court of Cook CountyEducation: Boston College Law School, J.D. Licensed to practice law IL and MA (inactive)The Colorado College, B.A.Civic involvement: Last 5 yearsBoard Trustee, Midwest Buddhist Temple, ChicagoChicago Bar AssociationUS Green Building Council Japanese American Citizens League - Scholarship CommitteeLeague of Women Voters of WilmetteNew Trier High School Parent BoardChicago Foundation for Women - Asian American Leadership CouncilElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Maintain competitive tuition rates. With the challenges and opportunities presented by today#146;s dynamic global economy, education and especially retraining are more important than ever. Community colleges are playing an increasingly pivotal role in meeting these challenges and making these opportunities available to all. As enrollment increases and the student population diversifies, it is critical for Oakton Community College (OCC) to preserve its competitive tuition rates, making its programs and services available to all the people it serves.Key Issue 2 Reduce energy costs. OCC has already set a standard in its energy sustainability efforts. I want to make sure that there continue to be systems in place for evaluating and reducing energy costs as much as is practical and that OCC maintains its position as a leader in this effort. I would also encourage students to be part of this effort.Key Issue 3 Fresh perspective. In contrast to the incumbent candidates, as a new trustee I would bring a fresh and open-minded perspective. This fresh perspective, however, would be informed by my professional business and legal skills as well as my volunteer experience as an advocate for education in my community.Questions Answers With enrollment up at my many community colleges, it can be challenging to keep pace as far as available classroom/lab space, the number of qualified teachers and available course work options. How would you manage that?Despite escalating enrollment, an increasingly diverse student population, and limited resources, OCC#146;s school administration has managed to juggle space demands, personnel, and course offerings to deliver a quality, relevant education. Looking to the future, however, achieving that balance will become even more challenging. On December 14, the college's current board of trustees addressed this concern by unanimously approving a five-year, $68 million revitalization plan that features the addition of more than 75,000-square feet to the Des Plaines campus#151;including a $39 million science and health building#151;as well as infrastructure improvements, classroom upgrades, and new spaces for student services. As a trustee, I would work with the administration to support and implement this strategic initiative, making sure they had a solid plan in place to maintain high curriculum standards and meet community needs during this important period of growth and transition. While oversight is important, the details of implementing any plan should be left to the capable administration. In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice equates into an educational benefit?I have always viewed tuition as an investment in the future. I believe OCC does an admirable job in its efforts to provide a quality education and retraining opportunities with a reasonable tuition. Preparing students to compete, contribute, and succeed in the rapidly changing 21st century is the highest educational benefit a community college like OCC could provide. Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?OCC has a reputation for being financially sound and fiscally responsible. The college has taken a conservative route that has served the community well. To meet the escalating educational challenges of the 21st century, however, the board unanimously approved a 5-year, $68 million expansion plan in December. The expansion plan is comprehensive and addresses not only needed infrastructure improvements but also technology upgrades to classrooms and health and science labs. I am a firm advocate of updating technology. It is not a choice but a necessity if we want to prepare our students to be competitive and well equipped for whatever careers they choose to enter.The Board expects to pay for the project through a combination of financing options, one of which is a tax increase#151;from .014 to .015 percent per $1,000#151;according to reports.I would support a tax rate increase in this effort.Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?The spectrum of programs and services offered at OCC addresses the scope and diversity of the population that it serves. For the college student, there are degree programs. For the adult returning to school to update competencies and skills, there are certificate programs. For international students, there are ESL classes and multicultural opportunities. For anyone wishing to learn new skills, acquire new knowledge, or pursue a light interest, OCC meets most needs, while changing their offerings to reflect what is going on in the world. Having said that, the college can always do better. As such, I would be open to exploring and hearing about any segments of the community's needs and interests that have not yet been addressed and served. If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the park board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.Serving on the OCC board of trustees is a natural progression in my efforts as a community advocate for education. As a parent, I was actively involved in my children#146;s schools, serving on numerous parent boards and committees. I also worked vigorously in my community on educational issues, including school board elections and school referenda. In addition, I have connections to OCC. I have volunteered as a tutor in OCC#146;s adult ESL program and, as a life-long learner, have taken courses in pursuit of a variety of interests. The services I received and the quality of my experiences at OCC always impressed me, as did the rich diversity of its students and the dedication of its staff. Now, I would like to contribute on a strategic level to the college#146;s continued growth and positive impact on the community.