Tony Tartaglia

Age: 46

Occupation: mechanical engineer, public affairs manager, Southern California Gas Co.

An 11-year Glendale resident, I was first elected to the Glendale Community College Board of Trustees in 2007. I serve as president. A mechanical engineer by trade, I have worked for the Southern California Gas Co. for more than 20 years where I am currently a public affairs manager. I have served on the Glendale College Foundation Board of Directors for 13 years, helping grow the endowment by more than $2.5 million.

Why are you seeking re-election?

Although much has been accomplished during my first four years on the board of trustees, I feel there is more to be done.

We have to finish the new building and upgrades to the Garfield Campus (this will require seeking additional funding to complete the parking structure and transportation infrastructure between the main campus and Garfield), preside over the renewal of our accreditation, manage a multi-year budget shortfall brought on by the state’s fiscal crisis, and implement the first upgrade to our main campus signature point (Verdugo Boulevard/Mountain Street corner) through growing the new Campus Beautification Endowment.

Also, in this time of crisis, Glendale Community College’s fantastic administrators, faculty and classified staff deserve a leadership team that is open, honest and can deliver a consistent message of fiscal responsibility and clear policy direction. I have helped create that environment on our board of trustees and wish to continue.

What could Glendale Community College be doing better?

As an institution of higher education, we must always strive to improve and better our college. As pointed out in our recent accreditation report, we need to better link our resource allocation process (budget and personnel) with our Educational Master Plan. I feel our campus has taken this issue to heart and is well on its way to implementing a well thought out, strengthened, integrated planning and resource allocation process.

How will you serve as an advocate for community colleges at a time when funding is being slashed?

As I stated four years ago, one of my key responsibilities as a trustee is to bring in new resources to the college. I will continue to seek those resources through my efforts to lobby state and federal officials, build new endowments, such as the Campus Beautification Endowment, and help facilitate new opportunities for Career Technology courses, like the creation of the Verdugo Power Academy. Also, I will work with local governments (the city and Glendale Unified) to help develop synergies that can reduce costs and increase educational opportunities for our faculty.

If not elected, how will you continue to be involved with the college?

I will always hold a special place in my heart for Glendale Community College. If not elected, I will apply to serve on the foundation, continue lobbying efforts to state and federal officials for more resources, and help build the Campus Beautification Endowment.