Richard Vasquez

Zone 4
Age: 44

Brief biography: He holds a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and a master’s degree in education administration. He currently sits on the Parks for Lane County and chairs the Urban Forest Committee for Cottage Grove. He is the publisher of three educational books, which give him value for academic success.

Current employment: Substitute for South Lane School District.

Connection to Lane Community College:  I have served as a trustee for San Joaquin Delta College and believe that I have the skills and education to help the growth of students and academic achievement at LCC.

Why are you running? There is a particular motivation for seeking this office. As a former community college trustee of San Joaquin Delta College, I have gained more development as an educator and leader in the community. I want to help Lane Community College seek success in all areas of academics, accredited or certification program training, and student enrollment.

Priorities: 

  • Suitability: Ensure the district maintains a healthy reserve for economic uncertainties to safeguard against financial instability.
  • Enrollment: Encourage the development of strategic planning that helps colleges wor together to better serve the communities and address potential future enrollments in nontraditional populations.
  • Training programs: Establish and expand partnerships with Workforce Development Centers and other industry partners to enhance job training and placement opportunities.

Challenges:

  • Seeking larger revenue for campus growth and creating opportunities for student development. I would like to communicate with the foundation board to help generate ideas for fundraising and other ways to retain funds. Most of the college’s income comes from enrollment. Therefore, my job as a trustee is to ensure that our board directs the administration to seek opportunities to increase enrollment and/or create new programs that are economically suitable for Lane County. Enrollment, grants, and donors can help balance a budget, but it also takes community involvement and stakeholder collaboration to achieve financial stability. Providing the community with large events, guest speakers and other services that help bring in revenue are key elements for a successful college.
  • Workforce development will provide more growth and success in the surrounding areas. Providing opportunities for partnering with local businesses in Eugene and Springfield will help strengthen the workforce environment. Partnering with regional companies that are based locally such as Caterpillar, heavy equipment operations and police will help our students be committed to local job opportunities. The workforce and LCC can create opportunities to strengthen the relationship between students and the workforce industry. Committing students through local business companies and governmental agencies can ensure students stay employed locally.

Board effectiveness: As a trustee, I would seek opportunities to meet with other educators and board members to focus on clear communication, collaborative decision-making, and a culture of respect and open dialogue. Establish clear roles and responsibilities, encourage diverse perspectives, and actively listen to each member’s input. Implement a structured process for resolving conflicts and maintaining a respectful and ethical atmosphere. Ensure each board member understands their duties and how they contribute to the overall goals. Encourage collaborative decision-making processes, such as consensus-building, to ensure everyone feels heard and valued. These are some of the values I have experienced as a trustee for San Joaquin Delta College. 

Endorsements: APANO Communities United Fund (CUF), a Portland-based nonprofit organization. 

Mike McInally is a Pacific Northwest journalist with four decades of experience in Oregon and Montana, including stints as editor of the Corvallis Gazette-Times and the Albany Democrat-Herald.