Diane Evertsen: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: HarvardWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: McHenry Commmunity College School Board Age: 72Family: Husband, 3 adult childrenOccupation: Retired RealtorEducation: Some college, no degree.Civic involvement: Former AYSO soccer coach;Director, Great Midwest Pro Rodeo for breast cancer research;Secy., Illinois Center Right Coalition; 4-H Youth Foundation supporterElected offices held: Republican Committeeman; 11-yrHarvard School Bd. member past President; 6-yr (2-term) McHenry County Board member; Secretary, McHenry County RepublicansQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?The motivating issue for me is a desire to engage in public service as well as promote the satisfaction of life-long learning. Whether in the form of structured education or not, the potential to obtain knowledge and learn new skills should be more widely advanced.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?At this time, MCC's Mission Statement reads: "Our focus is learning. Student success is our goal." In order to determine the cost/value ratio, one would necessarily have to define what we see as success and, more importantly, what the students using and paying for the services see as success. Gathering of this information would necessitate the use of something akin to an exit interview to discuss - with those students - where MCC's strengths and weaknesses lie. I would also suggest that we differentiate between students who are 4-year college bound, those who are looking to further hone existing job or professional skills, and those who come to the college for what I term "pleasure learning". In each category, students will have different concepts of success as it applies to their particular purpose in attending MCC. We can learn from MCC's past performance if any tweaks have to be made to ensure our students are, in fact, receiving good value for their educational dollars. Conversely, we must recognize that learning is also impacted by personal desire and commitment on the part of the student - attitudes we can work to enhance through conversation and dialogue if necessary.From the college's point of view, what budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?I must admit to being unsure what you refer to as my "district". However, I am very sure that there is no need for an increase in either taxes or fees.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?While I understand each of us, as individuals, has diverse wishes, needs and accomplishments, I believe the purpose of MCC is to focus on the educational requirements of its students and the commonalities that lead to our strength as a community.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.My interest in life-long learning is key to my interest in the MCC Board. We live in a time when it is common for people to change their lines of work four to five times during their working careers. Beyond those who completely change careers, many vocations require continuing education in order to remain current and competitive in that particular field. Additionally, our population is living and staying active much longer than our parents and grandparents did; these potential students are eager to continue 'pleasure learning' in order to enjoy things for which being in the workforce simply did not allow them time. Creating an atmosphere where all of these potential students gain knowledge is important to all of us.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?McHenry County is rather unique in that we have both urban and rural communities spread across the county and each area has students attending MCC. With the current winter not quite yet behind us, the memories of nasty weather and less-than-perfect driving conditions reinforce my concern for extended distance learning possibilities for students. Is it possible to increase the distance learning to accommodate students who are employed full time and could more readily engage in continued education if they had the opportunity to participate from their home or work environment? Can we afford more learning opportunities to our handicapped or seniors while at the same time not requiring them to travel at night or under adverse weather conditions? Would it be more affordable for our younger students to attend classes via internet and not have the expense of auto and fuel? If we are to truly service the educational needs of the students, we should look at the full scope of how that service can be delivered.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dr. Ben Carson; highly intelligent, soft-spoken, family oriented, recognizes adversity of his youth to make himself a better person.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Family is your safety net and can always be relied upon if you need help, and you will always help should they ask you.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I'd be 5'7 tall and willowy.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Reading and English; if you can read, you can learn to do absolutely anything.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do the right thing, even if you're the only one.