In the Thirteenth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Adriana Tamez , candidate for Houston Community College Board of Trustees, District 3.

Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted ver batim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but will be considered during the endorsement process.

TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot? 



AT: Adriana Tamez

TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)? 



AT: NO

TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important? 



AT: Government is important, since it is the mechanism and place where the voice of the people is to be heard and subsequently brought to life; however, it is vital to remember that this mechanism/place must be guided and structured according to the principles established by our Constitution.

TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it. 



AT: I cannot single out one priority; however, there are three major areas that I have identified as top priorities to address upon election:

–The search, identification, and employment of a Chancellor

— Effected by implementing a transparent process to identify someone possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities that would best serve HCC,

— Agreement among the board that external and internal candidates must meet same criteria,

— Agreement among the board that there is no place for cronyism in the search/selection process;

— The alignment of HCC programs and practices to meet workforce demands, needs and development

— A comprehensive strategic plan, painstakingly created, that would necessarily include an honest assessment of current programs and services in relation to changing needs of students and business,

— Redesign of programs and services that are timely, regardless of past success – all programs and services must meet current and future needs, as well as potentially creating new income sources for HCC;

— The work to regain the community’s confidence and trust

— With the board as standard bearers, their work must be timely and transparent,

— The board must demonstrate through its productivity that it considers seriously the needs of the community and students in creating and implementing programs and services,

–The board must not engage in activities that would be cause for any suspicion of cronyism or self-serving for individual board members.

TL: As our nation’s educational and professional landscape continues to evolve in the 21st century, institutions like HCC stand to be a critical part of that important process. In your opinion, is HCC ready for the monumental changes coming to education? What can the system do to best prepare? 



AT: I believe every Houstonian can be proud of HCC’s work to-date; however, there are significant challenges awaiting a response by the HCC system. The nation’s educational and professional landscape is constantly changing, due in great part to the influences of an ever-expanding global community and marketplace. Additionally, the exponential development of technology presents a challenge to the HCC system. These two factors, alone, challenge HCC to strategically establish a fast track for becoming aware and well-informed of community residents’ needs to be well-prepared for career or continuing university studies. At the same time, HCC must nurture relationships and be engaged with local, state and national business leaders to remain abreast of latest workforce development trends and needs. Finally, HCC must accept the challenge to develop modes of delivery of its programs and services so they may be offered not only to the local community, but the global community, too.

TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office? 



AT: It’s time for me to give back, and I very much want to do so. I have extensive experience and knowledge in the K-12 system, including involvement with the P-16 initiative. I have been privileged to enjoy a senior level school district position with HISD, which catapulted my leadership skills to a level worthy of service on the HCC board.

TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

AT: My free time is spent with my son, as well as enjoying my parents and extended family.

Thanks to Dr. Tamez for her participation.