Jeanne T. Goshgarian: 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: Candidate did not respondWebsite: NoOffice sought: College of Lake CountyAge: 63Family: husband John, son Andrew 26, Anne 25, Gerard 23, Laura 21.Occupation: attorneyEducation: BA, MA, University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana; JD magna cum laude, DePaul University Civic involvement: I have served on various boards including those of Round Lake Area Park District, Friends of the Round Lake Area Parks Foundation, Round Lake Beach Civic and Cultural Center Foundation, Lake County Council Against Sexual Assault. Volunteer with Lake County Bar Association, former Special Assistant Attorney General Elected offices held: Commissioner, Round Lake Area Park District, 20 yearsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: minor traffic infractionsCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 looking for ways to address the shortfall from declining support at the State and Federal levelsKey Issue 2 looking for ways to address increasing enrollmentKey Issue 3 looking for ways to make sure that the school keeps pace with technologyQuestions 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?I support the efforts of the college in looking at creative ways to address this, including using technology such as online class options. Also, I support careful review of current course enrollments to see where there might be opportunities for consolidation. Cooperative efforts with other institutions for classes where enrollment is insufficient at each should be explored. The college offers classes at many various off-campus locations; possible expansion of these should continually be explored.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?While neither I nor others in a board position have the ability to ensure educational benefits, we can work toward making sure that courses are valuable for students and lead to a technical capability or baccalaureate degree. CLC works closely with the state community college organization to keep current with trends, and works with four year colleges and universities to be aware of degree requirements and students' frequent course requests so that the college offers needed courses. These are some of the ways the college is addressing this concern. Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?Given the current dire fiscal situation of the State and Federal governments, and many local governmental units as well, the burden placed on taxpayers is at record levels. A tax rate increase should be a matter of last resort after all other options are considered. I recognize that funding from sources outside the county for CLC has been steadily declining, thereby imposing undue pressure to raise tuition and possibly consider efforts to hold a referendum and thus seek a tax increase. However, I believe that before a tax increase is considered, careful internal review at all levels must occur to see if operational costs can be cut. Further, aggressive pursuit of grant opportunities, which has been successful, should continue. Efforts by the CLC Foundation to encourge private giving for scholarships and other worthwhile causes must continue to be supported. Cooperative efforts with other colleges should be undertaken to see if costs can be shared. Partnerships with corporations and governmental units must continue to be pursued. 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? I am not aware that CLC is missing a segment of the population or failing to provide a needed service. I believe that CLC is working hard to fulfill its goals on this issue as stated in its master plan of maximizing educational opportunities within the district and finding many ways to advance student learning and success. I support CLC's efforts to be accessible to all segments of the local population. With three campuses in the county, and other available locations for classes, such as specialized classes being held at local hospitals, and various online options, there has been a concerted effort to make education geographically accessible and convenient for all. There has also been an effort to determine if all population segments are being served, such as, the recent effort to encourage more African American males to enroll. Further, I support CLC's efforts primarily through its foundation to help students find ways to pay for their education and increase scholarship opportunities so that attending school is feasible. Additionally, I support CLC's outreach efforts in offering free adult basic education, general education development, and English as a second language classes at various locations, such as local schools, libraries, community centers and police departments.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.I have been impressed with CLC's growth and positive impact both on individuals and on the Lake County community at large. Frankly, I would like to be part of this vibrant institution. I support the college's mission and achievements and believe that my background and skills could provide a positive addition to the board. I would provide a willingness to listen and learn, as well as a new perspective and fresh outlook.