Marie Lynn Toussaint: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Marie Lynn Toussaint

City: Evanston

Office sought: Oakton Community College Board of Trustees

Age: 56

Family: Mother of 2 boys 24 and 12 years of age

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Illinois Chicago, Paralegal certificate Roosevelt University, Juris Doctorate John Marshall Law School

Civic involvement: Member of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member of AFSCME Union Local 3315, Member and co-founder of Haitian American Lawyers Association, President of the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti, volunteer for (CEDA) Community and Economic Development Association Entrepreneurship Program.

Previous elected offices held: NONE

Incumbent: If yes, when were first elected? NA

Website:

Facebook: @citizensformarielynntoussaint

Twitter:

Issue questions

Describe your vision for the primary role of a community college.

My vision for the primary role of a community college is to provide affordable and accessible education to a diverse population and to procure services and guidance to its student body and the community it serves.

How well is your community college fulfilling that role? What changes, if any, need to be made?

At this time, Oakton is fulfilling that role to the best of its ability. However, if elected, I will work to raise awareness about the resources, classes and certification programs and technological opportunities available. Additionally, I will also advocate for workforce development between Oakton, the high schools in the district and the business district to create more employment opportunities.

Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?

NO

Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?

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?

Oakton is a leading institution in educational and training opportunities. It would be an honor to work with such a forward thinking institution to implement even more programs that would benefit a larger population of the community. Post secondary education and/or certification programs have been proven to increase employability, reduce the cycle of poverty, reduce recidivism and create positive role models in the community. If elected, I will work to establish a liaison between Oakton and the Courts in an effort to provide opportunities to young adults who have been court involved. Oakton has the potential to serve as a resource and to provide these young adults the opportunity to obtain a post secondary education and employment.