On wednesday, former State Senator Luis A. Gonzales announced that he is a candidate for the Pima County Community College Board of Governors, District 5. Gonzales, an Air Force veteran, served in the Arizona Senate from 1978 to 1986 and as city manager in South Tucson and the Town of Guadalupe.
Gonzales believes that the PCC Governing Board and administration must confront “some pressing issues,” including the fact that the is currently “on notice,” meaning its accreditation status is considered “at risk.” That status is a result of the fact that college was placed on probation in 2013 by the college accrediting agency, which reported widespread mismanagement and lax governance.
“As your representative,” Gonzales said in a statement released on Wednesday, “I will work passionately to enable our students to succeed at Pima and to advance in their chosen field — or to continue seamlessly to a four-year university.”
“I want to use my experience in government and civic engagement to help restore PCC to full and untarnished accreditation so that it can be a source of pride for every person in Pima County,” Gonzales said. “I am committed to helping PCC’s board, faculty and staff achieve excellence in policy development, fiscal accountability and employee relations and to ensure the delivery of quality higher education services.”
“The board’s recent decision to increase tuition fees for local students and decrease tuition fees for foreign students is a misguided mistake and an insult to Pima County residents and taxpayers. It is indicative of the board’s misplaced priorities.”
The popular lifelong Tucson resident said his service on the PCC board “will be guided by his core values of integrity, accountability and respect for others.”
Gonzales, a Native American/Hispanic of Yaqui Indian descent, graduated from Tucson High. He attended the University of Arizona, where he studied political science, and the University of Phoenix, studying business management. He taught gaming regulations on Indian lands for eight years at San Diego State University.
As a State Senator, Gonzales served on the Education Committee. He sponsored or co-sponsored a number of important educational measures, such as vocational employment and training legislation, including the Arizona Bilingual Education Act. While a State Senator, he was a strong advocate for Adult Basic Education. He was instrumental in the creation of a career ladder plan for teachers. He also worked on behalf of gifted children and funding for the prevention and treatment of abused children.
Gonzales is currently an economic development consultant. He has vast experience in working with federal, state and local elected officials and agencies. He has also worked for and with Arizona tribal governments. In the 1990’s, he helped in negotiating the State/Tribal gaming compacts with the State, Tribes and Federal Government that allowed Indian Gaming enterprises on Indian lands that has resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs for Arizonans.
For more information, go to www.gonzales4pcc.com The election is Nov. 8.