Auburn Journal: Aaron Klein running for another four years
The profile piece was in the Auburn Journal today…I thought you’d enjoy it.
Klein running for another four years
Says opportunities to expand Sierra College without taxing residents
By Jenifer Gee, Journal Staff Writer
Colfax resident Aaron Klein sees a bright future ahead for Sierra College, and said he’s hoping for the chance to make that vision a reality.
Klein is running for re-election for the Sierra Community College board of trustees Area 7 (Colfax/Nevada City) seat. He is running against John Vodonick, a Nevada City resident and self-described life-long student.
Maintaining the college’s budget is one of the reasons Klein said he is running again for the college board. However, opponents argue have argued against Klein’s budget philosophy.
“I’m running again because it’s so critical to continue the agenda for change that we started four years ago,” Klein said.
Klein said during his first four-year term on the board, the college’s budget has been balanced and also generated $2 million in new surpluses.
“Now we’ve got to use that advantage to make Sierra College an even greater engine of economic recovery during this downturn.”
Klein and trustee Bill Martin have criticized each other’s budget policy in recent reports. Both trustees have issued reports to the public in an attempt to offer a solution to the college’s financial woes.
It isn’t the first time the two trustees have disagreed. In May 2006, Klein and trustee Jerry Simmons were the subject of a recall effort by the Save Sierra College committee. The committee endorsed Bill Martin during his first election.
In his report, Klein states the college has the potential to bring in $60 million over the next five years by looking to federal funding and getting matching funds from the state as opposed to raising taxes.
Klein said he supports “a reasonable and conservative bond measure,” but not at the present time.
“I think we need to be mindful of how tough the economy is and how badly people are hurting now,” Klein said.
He also suggests growing the Sierra College Foundation and finding a way to use undeveloped land that the college owns.
Martin has said Klein’s revenue plans have “next to no connection” between the funding amounts and the cost of completing projects.
“(Klein’s report) calls for the rapid growth of the Sierra College Foundation without any estimate of the cost of growing that foundation,” Martin said.
Martin added that Klein’s assumptions of state funding matches are “highly optimistic.”
“His plan calls for no local support at all,” Martin said.
In turn, Klein has said Martin’s budget ideas rely too much on taxing residents.
“Bill is a very strong advocate for bond measures,” Klein said. “In these tough economic times, there’s just no way that proposal is going to be successful so I issued a report to demonstrate that there are real steps and real solutions.”
Klein’s supporters, who include Lincoln City Councilman Tom Cosgrove, say they support the trustee because of his prior work on the board.
“Aaron and I had some disagreements several years ago, but as we’ve begun to work more closely together, I can say with confidence that we’ve developed a great deal of respect for each other,” Cosgrove said in a prepared statement. “He is working with our local elected officials to get great things done for Sierra College, and I’m proud to support him for re-election.”
Outside of the budget debate, Klein said he has other goals for the college.
He said he’d like the school to invest more in online education. He also wants the college to form stronger partnerships with county high schools to generate interest in the community college at an early age.
“Funding is always a challenge,” Klein said. “But I think there are tremendous things we can do with the resources that we’ve already been entrusted with.”
Name: Aaron Klein
City: Colfax
History: Grew up in Placer County since the age of 7. Elected to the Sierra College board of trustees in 2004. As an entrepreneur, Klein has worked as a Web consultant for a candidate for Governor of California, U.S. Congress and State Senate and Assembly.
Goals: Says it’s possible to bring in $60 million to Sierra College over the next five years.
Tahoe-Truckee Campus Grand Opening on October 11
Hope to see you there!
TRUCKEE – Excitement is growing on McIver Hill in Truckee, as Sierra College officials prepare for a Grand Opening celebration at the new Tahoe-Truckee campus, scheduled for Saturday, October 11. After nearly four years of planning, design and construction, the 28,000 square foot “green building” will be revealed for the very first time to the public that day between 9 am and 2 pm. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
“I think it’s the beginning of a new era for Truckee and the Tahoe region as a whole,” Sierra College Trustee Dave Ferrari remarked. “This new college brings enhanced educational opportunities for all. From our high school students beginning their quest to earn degrees, to our workforce population looking for continuing education, to our seniors seeking lifelong learning opportunities. This is more than just a community college…it’s the community’s college!”
Improvements along Highway 89 around the entrance to the new campus are nearly complete, and a new pedestrian bridge over the river was just put in place, providing the final link in a public trail which transects the entire property from the eastern end near the McIver Undercrossing in downtown Truckee to Deerfield Drive.
As work crews busily add the remaining infrastructure, like curbs and gutters, Sierra College staff is working diligently inside the new building moving furniture and setting up internet connections to ready the classrooms for students. By the end of October, students and staff will be completely moved out of their old headquarters in Pioneer Center and fully moved in to their new campus.
Rob Koster, Project Manager for Sierra College, is pleased that construction is continuing ahead of schedule and is eager to open the doors to the public on October 11. “We’re still anticipating and fully expect to receive a LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency & Design) Silver certification for the building,” he stated. “Visitors will enter a space that takes full advantage of natural light, is built using recycled content materials, has excellent indoor air quality and is very energy efficient.”
Sustainable building practices and more were on the mind of Truckee Donner Land Trust Executive Director Perry Norris, when he was reached for comment about the upcoming Grand Opening. "Instead of a contentious land use battle over condominiums on McIver Hill, as once planned, we get a state of the art green Sierra College campus that blends wonderfully with our Town. What a win for the community."
Sierra College’s Interim Dean, Kurt Heisinger, is also looking forward to the Grand Opening celebration. “More than showing off any particular feature of the new campus environment like the open space and trails or the beautiful new green building, I’m looking forward to greeting the public that day. When voters approved Bond Measure H that provided the funds to build a new Sierra College, they were putting their trust in us. I couldn’t be more proud to meet them and show them what we’ve accomplished together as a community. October 11 will be a great day to celebrate!”
Grandpa John
My Grandpa John just passed away after a very short fight with cancer. While it wasn’t a complete shock, it was pretty unexpected.
He and my Grandma Ruth were our adoptive grandparents — my dad lost his parents many years ago, so they stepped in to fill that void. And such a special man he was.
He was a railroad man — Santa Fe. A union member, and quite possibly, my favorite Democrat. 
He and Grandma lived for some years in Southern California, then relocated to Topeka, Kansas to follow his job, and back to California after retirement.
They raised bassett hounds, angus cattle and persian kittens, as a hobby, and for income. And nobody could grill a better steak, angus hamburger, or stuffed pork chop, although my dad gave him a run for his money.
Somewhere up in heaven, I’m quite sure that God commanded an angel to break out the reel-to-reel machine, because that’s how Grandpa still played a lot of his music. Those new-fangled eight tracks were no match for the reel-to-reel.
Above all else, my Grandpa John was a man of faith. Our faith teaches us that we can grieve with hope, because we know that goodbye is not the end. And that makes the fact that we miss him already, a little bit easier.
We miss you, Grandpa. We’ll see you again soon.
We have a budget!
Well, it appears that we have a state budget. It’s not a pretty picture, because the Legislature in effect decided to punt the tough decisions to next year. However, it didn’t raise taxes on the backs of our students, who rely on the part time labor market to work their way through school, and I’m happy about that.
It will also get payments flowing to Sierra College again. Because we budget conservatively, we’ve had the cash to make it through without having to borrow extra money. We were getting close though, so it’s good to have our cash flow resume.
I also wanted to post another response I received from my letter to our state leaders regarding the budget. This one was from one of my favorite State Senators (I have several :>), Sam Aanestad of Grass Valley. As usual, “Senator Sam” is dead on in his analysis. I post it here for your reading pleasure.
And before the parade…
There was the Republican Congress of Placer County’s candidate barbecue, which I was invited to say a few words at. The hamburgers were fantastic — fresh off the grill, courtesy of Tom Jones.
Gerry Brentnall, the club’s president, and Senator Tom McClintock.
Cacey tries to make Spencer sit up, while we listen to Tom speak.
Both Tom and I were in the Nevada City Constitution Day Parade in our respective entries in the parade, so we both had to leave the event early. Special thanks to Gerry and the club’s members for letting us speak on the early end!
Trustee Klein Endorsed for Re-Election by Placer County Supervisor Kirk Uhler
We sent the following press release to the media today…
Trustee Klein Endorsed for Re-Election by Placer County Supervisor Kirk Uhler
GRANITE BAY — Kirk Uhler, Placer County Supervisor for the Fourth District, today announced his endorsement of Aaron Klein for re-election to the Sierra College Board of Trustees.
“For the last four years, Aaron has worked to improve Sierra College, increase transparency, and establish strong, fiscally responsible policies,” said Uhler. “I’m proud to join the many other community leaders supporting him for re-election.”
“I have long been an admirer of Kirk Uhler’s leadership on the Placer County Board of Supervisors, and I’m very grateful for his support,” said Klein. “I look forward to working with him to make sure our community continues as a prosperous place to live and work.”
Elected in 2004, Trustee Aaron Klein represents the entire Sierra Community College District comprised of Placer County, Nevada County, and parts of Sacramento and El Dorado County.
Sierra College Student Success Story: Sandra Gallo
I had the great privilege to serve with Sandra for a year while she was student trustee, and how exciting for her to receive this award and scholarship. Congratulations, Sandra!
Sandra Gallo Receives California State Systems Office Annual Student Leadership Scholarship Award
ROCKLIN – Sandra Gallo, a 2008 Sierra College graduate and last year’s Associated Students of Sierra College President, was selected to receive the California State Systems Office (CSSO) Annual Student Leadership Scholarship Award. The CSSO Executive Board awards two annual scholarship awards of $1,000 to a student leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and abilities at the campus, regional, or statewide level.
A letter of recognition that accompanied Gallo’s application, submitted by Vice President of Student Services, Mandy Davies, stated “I must begin by stating that in the sixteen years that I have been an administrator at Sierra College, I have not worked with such a poised, articulate, passionate, inspirational and truly gifted student leader as Sandra. As this year’s president of our 20,000 plus student body, Sandra will leave behind a legacy that will be next to impossible to follow.”
Sandra Gallo has a lot to be proud of. As a reentry student, Sandra initially had fears that she was too old and too far removed from the rigors of school to accomplish her goals while raising her six year old daughter alone. But since she began attending Sierra College in August of 2006 her life has taken some dramatic turns in the right direction. Maintaining a solid 4.0 GPA, Gallo’s confidence strengthened and she began to step out into other areas of interest on campus. She got involved in student government, with the desire to be an advocate for other reentry students like herself. She also held the seat as Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees.
In her role as the ASSC president, Gallo made vast improvements for the organization. She managed the relocation and renovation of the office and improved the financial status of the Association by paying off a large loan, leaving the books in the black for the new president. She oversaw the largest Student Senate in the history of Sierra College and became adapt at conflict management. She worked with the Senate to forge new and lasting relationships with faculty, staff, and management.
This fall, Sandra Gallo has transferred to Sacramento State where she will pursue a BS in Finance. Her goal is to one day have a career on Wall Street, and with her talent and ambition, everyone who knows her is certain she will accomplish great things.
“I am no longer a frightened re-entry student,” said Sandra Gallo. “I am now a person who understands the importance of goal setting, an education, and civic responsibility. My greatest desire is to be a role model to my daughter. I want her to look at me and see a woman who turned adversity into opportunity. I also want her to understand that it is never too late to start over and to be a success in whatever endeavor one sets their mind to achieve.”
Practical Solutions for Real Progress on Sierra College Facilities
One of our big challenges at Sierra College is developing the resources we need to repair and modernize our classrooms and labs. It’s something I’ve been working on for some time, and we released it today.
Here’s the press release:
Trustee Klein Releases Report Advocating “Practical Solutions for Real Progress on Sierra College Facilities”
Plan would raise $85 million by 2014-15, plus $11 million annually thereafter
COLFAX — Trustee Aaron Klein today released an 11-page report entitled “Practical Solutions for Real Progress on Sierra College Facilities” that advocates the development of achievable strategies for repairing, modernizing and constructing the classrooms and labs the college will need to better serve the community’s educational needs.
“I can’t possibly take credit for all of the ideas in this report. Many of them are the result of hours of meetings and discussion within our board, as well as with faculty, staff and administration,” said Klein. “I am hopeful that bringing the most workable solutions together into an integrated plan will help the college move forward with strategies that have a real chance of success in the economic and political climate that we face.”
Trustee Klein Releases Report Advocating “Practical Solutions for Real Progress on Sierra College Facilities”
We sent the following press release to the media today.
Trustee Klein Releases Report Advocating “Practical Solutions for Real Progress on Sierra College Facilities”
Plan would raise $85 million by 2014-15, plus $11 million annually thereafter
COLFAX — Trustee Aaron Klein today released an 11-page report entitled “Practical Solutions for Real Progress on Sierra College Facilities” that advocates the development of achievable strategies for repairing, modernizing and constructing the classrooms and labs the college will need to better serve the community’s educational needs.
“I can’t possibly take credit for all of the ideas in this report. Many of them are the result of hours of meetings and discussion within our board, as well as with faculty, staff and administration,” said Klein. “I am hopeful that bringing the most workable solutions together into an integrated plan will help the college move forward with strategies that have a real chance of success in the economic and political climate that we face.”
The report is available for download by clicking here.
Elected in 2004, Trustee Aaron Klein represents the entire Sierra Community College District comprised of Placer County, Nevada County, and parts of Sacramento and El Dorado County.
Want a Guaranteed Seat at a Four Year University?
Did you know that Sierra College has guaranteed transfer programs to a variety of four year universities like UC Davis, UC San Diego, and many others?
You get to take your first two years of general education at Sierra — an incredible value with tremendous quality. Maintain a minimum GPA (usually 3.2), and you’ve got a guaranteed seat in the UC or CSU school you chose at the outset! Pretty cool stuff, and you can learn more by visiting Sierra on September 23.
ROCKLIN – Sierra College students will have the opportunity to visit with more than fifty university and college representatives on Tuesday September 23, 2008 from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm during the annual College and University Transfer Day.
The event will be held in the Rocklin Campus Student Center. (Building J – cafeteria) This is a great opportunity for students who plan to transfer from Sierra, to gather information about the offerings in colleges and universities both in and out of state.
Find out about majors, special programs, housing, and financial aid. Visit with representatives from UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, CSU Sacramento, CSU Chico, CSU Monterey Bay, CSU Fresno, Humboldt State, private colleges, out-of-state colleges, and many more!
For more information contact the Transfer Center at 916-789-2618.
