Qualifications

By Raul G. Lopez

My business experience, community leadership, and extensive involvement with the Downey schools provide me with the best possible qualifications to be a member of this board.

Throughout my years of service in the club, which included serving as President in 94/95, I became aware of other areas in my community that could use my services.

I volunteered at the YMCA, the American Red Cross, ARC of Southeast L.A. County, the Business Retention Committee for the city of Downey, the Downey Chamber of Commerce, and Gangs Out Of Downey, to name a few. I have displayed the ability to get things done and consequently I have ended up in leadership positions.

The people I have come in contact with will agree that I work hard and am committed to the task at hand.

I have demonstrated my dedication to this city without self-interest except for wanting the best for the town where I work and live.

How I've managed to be so involved and yet not neglect my family and my business is still a wonder to me. But I've done it and still manage to get seven hours of sleep at night and attend church services on a regular basis.

I've been a baseball coach for my daughters and a soccer coach for my son. And I have been a band booster member for longer than I care to count. School activities are a part of my daily life and through my involvement I am in touch with our community's educational needs.

Being civic minded is a family tradition, one we hope to pass on to our children. My wife is a member of Soroptimist International where she served as president in 95/96, and is currently active in many committees. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a partner in a local CPA firm.

I'm fortunate that my wife does not work for the school district as a teacher so I do not have the conflict of interest that would prevent me from taking any action or participating in any decision related to benefit package or salary offered to new or continuing teachers.

I feel that my business experience and my extensive knowledge of the community provide me with the best possible qualifications to be a member of this board.