Cut waste, improve efficiency and the maximum allocation of taxpayer funds

By Fel Anthony Amistad

Reduce waste and unnecessary expenses. Fund needed programs. Improve special education and related programs. Enlarge libraries.

The Independent Newspaper quoted in the editorial that it "endorsed FEL AMISTAD" becuase "he can lend much-needed expertise to financial questions arising in the county education program. This expertise would be valuable to the board. He brings youth and energy into a mix of board members who could use new, fresh ideas."

--Oct 28, 2000 Editorial Independent News

I believe I am able to meet the challenge and task at hand. I graduated from Stanford University with a science and math background. I completed an MBA from the University of Phoenix with an emphasis on quantitative analyses. I am almost finished with the law program which I attended during evening classes while I worked full time as a bank employee with the Bank of America. These skills and tools are essential to being a board member for many reasons. First, as an efficient board member the analysis of detailed information and the reasonable comprehension of the details of budget and financial well being must be second nature. I believe I can insure that tax dollars are spent wisely and carefully. Millions of dollars are at stake. I will insure that the funding of all important school programs is not short changed. Working with the other board members will be achieved through cooperation and team spirit. We will be accountable and competent members.

I will insure that libraries are well stocked and equipped. Students must be able to access books and the ample information on the internet. Education must be challenging, not a challenge to be educated. Schools must be able to provide for our children without problems. The special education programs should be expanded and efficient. There is room for improvement in the board today. I hope to add this perspective to it.

I have over 15 years of finance experience to optimize the prudent use of taxpayer money to increase funding of school programs in special education. Without increasing government taxation, I believe I can improve school programs for vocation bound students, gifted students and handicapped students. For instance, there is a fixed school budget in the millions that must be fairly analyzed for errors and waste. I intend to cut waste and improve student facilities. The current board needs a well-rounded body. I intend to be part of that team to improve special education and other areas the board oversees.

My experience in mortgage banking will enable me to resolve financial issues. I intend to find ways to retain qualified teachers in the county. Some standard ways include streamlining the hiring process of teachers. We need credentialed teachers sensitive to a diverse, needy student body. I intend to increase student enrollment and lower the ratio of teachers to pupils. There will be no increase in taxation to acchieve this goal. There will be ample savings in my efforts to assist this county in many ways. My experience and dedication to the board will be second to none. I will fulfill my promise to insure that this county is equipped for the new century and that its students will remain competitive and goal oriented.