Politics & Government
Candidate Q & A: Gary Woods
Citrus College Board of Trustee candidates answer questions from Patch
Glendora Patch asked the candidates for the Citrus College Board of Trustees to answer questions before the Nov. 5 election. This is the last profile before voters head to the poles. Remaining candidates did not return calls and emails with answers to our questions.
Candidates answered questions via email.
Name: Gary L. Woods
Age: 69
Occupation: Law and Accounting Professor
1. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background and why you should be elected.
I received my B.S. in accounting and a M.S. in Education from USC, and a Juris Doctorate in law from Southwestern University School of Law. I served eight terms as president of the Citrus College Board of Trustees and served as a liaison for the oversight committee of Measure G, which oversees the distribution of funds for building projects at Citrus College. I received the California Community League of Trustee's Service Award for 32 years of outstanding community service. I have been a licensed attorney and a college professor for 36 years. In addition, I served as the Dean of the Business & Computer Technology Division, served on the California State Accreditation Committee for Community Colleges and seven years on the governing board of Goodwill Industries.
2. What do you think distinguishes you from other candidates? What do you bring to the table?
My extensive background in the community college system gives me the skill and experience to carefully analyze a college budget, and to ensure that each tax dollar benefits the educational goals of the community.
3. What kind of experience do you have working with budgets?
Currently, the state and the nation are facing daily financial problems. I have the skill and experience to make sound financial decisions. I have been a forceful advocate for students, and I have worked to improve scholarship opportunities and affordable disability programs and services.
4. What are the most pressing issues facing Citrus College? How would you approach and resolve these issues?
I have been endorsed by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and they stated that "Woods has been a necessary voice against college administration overcompensation . . . and deserves to be returned to office as a stalwart watchdog for local taxpayers." In the current economic times, my role is not always to bring cohesion to the board, but to make sure that the tax dollars are used for the community and students in an effective manner.
