Art Sauceda: 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: BartlettWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Elgin Community College School Board (4-year Term)Age: 74Family: Married to Sharon; two children Lisa and Eric; Lisa is C.P.A. and is accounting instructor at Harper College, Eric is an Assistant State's Attorney, Cook County. I have eight grandchildren.Occupation: Proprietor, Art Sauceda, C.P.A. Prior to starting my own business in 2004 I was an audit manager for the Regional Transportation Authority (6yrs) and Director of the Audit Department for the Northeast Illinois Railroad Corporation,21 yrs.Education: Bachelor of Science, Accounting Major, DePaul University; Certified Public Accountant Certificate, University of Illinois; Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of IllinoisCivic involvement: Bartlett Learning Center, Board Member and Treasurer; Presence Hospital,Elgin,IL.Local Board Member and Treasurer; Club Guadalupano Scholarships for U-46 graduates, President; Centro de Informacion Social Service Agency, Board Member Past President; Village of Bartlett Police Pension Board, Trustee Elgin Knights of Columbus, Member Past Grand Knight; St.Edward H.S. Foundation, Past President St.Joseph Church Finance Committee, Past Chairman many yearsElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My number one goal is the achievement of student success which gives students an associate degree or certificate that translates into job opportunities and community enrichment.Key Issue 2 A quality education which encompasses present and future informational technology and all the tools and resources this brings.Key Issue 3 Working with the community businesses (partnerships) to see what their current and anticipated needs are and finding out how the college can meet these needs through course offerings, student guidance and personalization. In turn this generates student marketability.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?The use and development of many on-line classes are blossoming all over which translates into less classroom space needs; more teacher availability; and more course options.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 results in an educational benefit?Elgin Community College is addressing this issue through an award winning program which provides students and parents with financial counseling involving the most economical means for obtaining a degree or certificate through available grants, government loans, and private lenders and rates. Student completion of their course studies and attainment of their degree or certificate will provide an educational benefit as well as a return on their financial investment. I want to be a part of this continuing program.Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?I do not see the need for a tax rate increase at this time.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?There is a need to enhance programs that partner with high schools for the purpose of reaching out to students at an early age and provide encouragement and information on future careers, employment and the related benefits of an associate's degree or certificate.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the community college board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.Elgin Community College is vital to an affordable education and economic enhancement of the community. I hope to be a part of this quality education that promotes success, completion and addresses the needs of the community. I value education and what it's done for me and my family. An education provides opportunities and opens doors.