Supplemental Application for Citizens Redistricting Commission
- Name: Peter Sunway Yao
- City: Claremont, Ca
Submission Timestamp: 04/18/2010 11:29:03
Part 1: Essay Questions:
The responses to the essay questions are limited to no more than 3200 characters including spaces (approximately 500 words) per essay question. You may cut and paste text from any word processing program such as Microsoft Word.
1. Please describe why you are interested in serving on the Citizens Redistricting Commission.
We have inherited an electoral representational boundary system that lacks relevance, justice and is no longer useful. It is a hindrance to a basic fair representational system to which all Californians are entitled. The Redistricting Commission and its work present a historically unique opportunity to restore a much needed system of fair representation. Being a part of this creative team that addresses this problem of representational fairness is a prospect to which I look forward. This is an opportunity to redraw the lines to maximize political competition which assures citizens that their participation in the democratic life of California is worthwhile. I want to be a part of something that makes the selection process of candidates truly transparent and office-holders accountable.
I have always found satisfaction in solving tough problems. Redistricting is a very tough and complex political problem. California encompasses a population of wide voting ages, personal preferences, ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic strata and educational levels. California covers a wide and diverse geographical area with varying assets and competitive advantages. Defining perimeters, setting priorities and devising equitable solutions that meet fair expectations will require originality and objectivity. My first job out of college was design engineering, working on problems no one else solved. I treasured solving problems. Serving on the Redistricting Commission would inspire the same sensation of anticipation of serving the people of California. Working on equitable representational boundaries would inspire a sense of dedication, this time with millions of eyes looking over my shoulder.
In life, one is obliged to play with the cards you are dealt. One must often work with team members assigned by others. On the city council, I have had to work with other council persons who were also elected. The redistricting commission will be comprised of team members of talent and vision. I believe I can contribute to the level of performance expected by the citizens of California. It would be a personal challenge demanding my best effort and judgment.
As part of the redistricting commission, I will have the opportunity to see parts of California that I have never seen. I will meet people that I otherwise would not likely meet. I consider exposure to new knowledge and experience as the reward of commission assignment. Participation on the commission would be priceless.
The challenge of working on a meaningful task, solving a tough problem to secure a just representation for Californians and working with a high performance team entice me to apply for a position on the redistricting commission.
2. Please describe your ability to be impartial, as discussed in Regulation 60800. You may include with this description any occupational, academic, volunteer, or other life experiences you have had that demonstrate this ability.
I won two city elections running as an independent candidate. In my first election in 2003, the local ‘anti-establishment’ political faction tried to co-opt me to a slate of candidates to unseat the incumbents. I took an independent route in running against both the incumbents and the anti-establishment candidates. In my re-election, I again chose to take the more difficult route and ran as an independent. I was prepared to win or lose on my own merit. My choice to be independent parallels my will to be impartial in solving the problems at hand as an elected official.
I try to make decisions based on facts. I am committed to logic in the political process and weigh carefully on the information I have gathered before making my decisions. I have had to make decisions that I feel are right for the City but unpopular with residents. For instance, I voted for an Affordable Housing (AH) project in an upscale part of town. The fact was that the site was the only location available for such a project and the City was long overdue in providing such a project a required by Redevelopment Agency law. That decision, made just prior to my re-election, had the distinct possibility of losing my seat on the Council.
I proposed to allocate general city fund to solve the problem of local homelessness issues. Opposition from both liberal and conservative residents was based on a fear that such support would attract more out of town homeless people to our City. I found and trusted data that the homeless population originates in our local region. Also, I was briefed by demographic experts that the homeless problems will get worse if cities refuse to take action. As a private citizen, I can understand the perspectives of many of my neighbors. But as an elected official, I keep my eye on the overall long term vision of a healthy and vibrant community and make my decisions accordingly. Sometimes, those decisions are not popular ones.
I have had the opportunity to establish relationships with elected officials at the State and Federal levels. These relationships have been instrumental in communicating my city’s concerns with unfunded mandates and the unintended consequences of their pending legislations. Since part of the City’s operating and capital budget comes from State and Federal agencies, I wanted to be the first to know of opportunities at those levels. I am free from any personal relationships, commitments and political ambitions that could influence my impartial redistricting decisions.
I have deliberately set aside my personal interests and political viewpoints. I have worked equally hard for neighborhoods which did not vote for me. I can be impartial to all of the different interest groups including ethnic, sexual preferences and socio-economic segments of the State. I am free of any biases against people living outside of my city or region.
My intention is to serve all Californians for the good of our political representational system.
3. Please describe your appreciation for California’s diverse demographics and geography, as discussed in Regulation 60805. You may include with this description any occupational, academic, volunteer, or other life experiences you have had that demonstrate this appreciation.
Diversity is California’s competitive advantage in commerce, scientific and technological research, and in securing a truly democratic society. I recognize that diversity is the key and hidden strength of the process of redistricting and revitalizing California’s representative democracy. The selected commissioners must be firmly dedicated to securing fair and proportional representation for all of California’s diverse cultural, geographical, economic and ethnic interests. This is a daunting task. However I believe I can meet the challenge because of my personal experience as a first generation Chinese immigrant, the expertise gained during my business career, and insights gained in city government and regional representation.
Over fifty years ago, I came with my family to California as refugees. My father found work through the active intervention of missionaries living in Claremont. Thus, I have first hand experience and understanding of an immigrant’s desire to be included and participate in American democracy.
Where one lives could shape his/her perspectives on a number of issues. Water as a resource is an example. The expansion of Southern California was made possible by bringing in water from Northern California and the eastern Sierras. This has been a bone of contention for a century. The process of redistricting must insure fairness and impartiality.
Other geographical differences exist in our diverse state. Often, coastal towns prefer a slower growth while inland communities can accommodate a larger growth rate. Urban and rural communities have different transportation priorities. Agricultural, manufacturing and technology sectors require different labor supplies. Cultural and ethnic communities may prefer multi-lingual signage while English only signage is preferred in other areas. College town, tourist and resort towns, financial centers, transportation hubs, seaports all have unique issues and needs.
I was an undergraduate at UC Berkeley and got to know the Bay area very well. Concerns with social justice, political and economic activism has continues to play an important role. I made frequent trips to semiconductor firms during my forty year business career representing a national defense firm. I witnessed the phenomenal growth and recession of the Silicon Valley.
I was elected to the Claremont City Council in 2003 and served as mayor. I have met and worked with elected officials throughout the state, most specifically on college town issues. I have planned conferences in conjunction with thirty League of California Cities (LCC) board members. I am vice president of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus of the LCC. I work with the Latino Caucus, African American Caucus and the Gay, Lesbian, Transsexual Caucus in planning LCC’s bi-annual conference. Thus, I have gained awareness of the diverse concerns from elected officials throughout California.
My immigrant background, my in depth knowledge of California towns and cities and my personal relationships with mayors, council members, city managers throughout California has prepared me well to represent California’s diverse cultural, economic and educational communities.
4. Please describe the analytical skills you have that are relevant to serving on the Citizens Redistricting Commission, as discussed in Regulation 60827. You may include with this description any occupational, academic, volunteer, or other life experiences you have had that demonstrate those skills.
My years of formal undergraduate and graduate education in engineering and management grounded me in my math skills, statistical analysis tools and the use of computer technology in solving complex problems. I routinely used these tools in my 35 years’ career in design simulations as well as minimizing manufacturing product variances. I have taught computer programming at SUNY and I am efficient in using spreadsheet programs including the first VisiCalc in the 1960’s to the current standard Microsoft Excel. I have excellent word processing skills with Lotus Word, WordPerfect and Microsoft Word.
As a working engineer, I understand and employed dense and technical written material such as patent disclosures. As a manager, I routinely reviewed technical proposals and reports from contractors. While designing an artillery locating radar using trajectory data points, I embedded the local map and topology information into the battlefield database system.
My MBA degree program included business law classes. I know when to apply the intent of the law and when to apply the letter of the law. In any civilized society, everyone must adhere to a well defined set of legal standards. Meeting the minimum legal requirement is absolutely necessary in all my decisions. My routine practice is to seek initially legal expertise regarding the latest interpretation and changes in the law.
My experience as the Director of Engineering at Raytheon coupled with additional training leading to a MA in Management has effectively sharpened my people skills. I have a deep personal interest in management and have kept up with the latest research by attending management conferences.
I subscribe to the thesis that understanding of the problem is the key in developing a solution. The process of understanding include listening carefully and critically, validating by asking additional questions. My practice is to prepare a prioritized list of relevant parameters before the meeting. During the meeting, I try to extract the needed data and not allow myself to be side-tracked. One must continuously weigh and distinguish facts from opinions by seeking an authority’s expertise, credibility, experience and determining the basis of his/her comments.
This commission’s work output is a team effort. I am skilled in working with multi-level, multi-disciplinary diverse teams because of my three decades of managerial work and my elected City official position with the town’s residents. Whenever possible, I try first to have members build relationships with each other. Next is to build consensus with the process used and to establish goals. My experience allows me to recognize deviations from the team process and to know how to remedy the situation. These I believe is my significant contribution to maintaining a high performance team.
My communication skills took a quantum leap when I successfully ran for elected office. I can get my points across via an elevator speech of 30 seconds. I have learned to deliver an interesting speech covering the details of the subject matter. I routinely write press releases and opinion pieces for my local newspaper
Part 2: General Information
Education
| Yes | No | |
|---|---|---|
| Did you graduate from high school? | ||
| If not, do you possess a GED or equivalent? | ||
| If not, enter the highest grade you completed: |
University or College, Business, Correspondence, Trade, or Service School(s) Attended
| School Name and Location: | University of California, Berkeley |
| Course of Study/Major: | Electrical Engineering |
| Diploma, Degree, or Certificate Obtained: | BSEE |
| Date Completed, If Completed: | June 1967 |
| Number of Years Attended: | 4 |
| School Name and Location: | State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY) |
| Course of Study/Major: | Electrical Engineering |
| Diploma, Degree, or Certificate Obtained: | MSEE |
| Date Completed, If Completed: | Feb 1969 |
| Number of Years Attended: | 2 |
| School Name and Location: | California State University Fullerton |
| Course of Study/Major: | Business Administration |
| Diploma, Degree, or Certificate Obtained: | MBA |
| Date Completed, If Completed: | 1973 |
| Number of Years Attended: | 3 |
| School Name and Location: | Claremont Graduate University Drucker School of Management |
| Course of Study/Major: | Executive Management |
| Diploma, Degree, or Certificate Obtained: | MA in Management |
| Date Completed, If Completed: | 1982 |
| Number of Years Attended: | 3 |
Employment History
- Begin with your most recent job.
- List each job separately.
- Employment history must include at least 10 years. Employment job classifications may include retired, volunteer, not employed outside the home, or not employed. Please account for all of your time during the past 10 years.
- Include all employment history you believe is relevant beyond 10 years.
| From: | March, 2003 |
| To: | current |
| Employer Name: | City of Claremont |
| Title/Job Classification (Include Range or Level, if applicable): | Mayor and Councilman |
| Total Worked (Years/Months): | 7 years 1 month |
| Description of Duties Performed*: |
This is an elected position. I am serving on my second four year term. I am one of five members on the Council. I was elected by my peer councilmembers as the city Mayor for two years from March 2005 to March 2007. The Council sets annual operating budget and makes policy decisions for the City. |
| From: | 1999 |
| To: | Dec. 2004 |
| Employer Name: | Raytheon Corporation |
| Title/Job Classification (Include Range or Level, if applicable): | Director of Engineering |
| Total Worked (Years/Months): | 5+ years |
| Description of Duties Performed*: |
Responsible for the research and development of all power electronics (PE) technology at the corporate level for this Fortune 100 company. PE is a critical element of every military electronic system. Allocate research budget and review development advances across all the company’s engineering sites. |
| From: | 1969 |
| To: | 1999 |
| Employer Name: | Hughes Aircraft Co./Raytheon Corp. |
| Title/Job Classification (Include Range or Level, if applicable): | Engineering/Management |
| Total Worked (Years/Months): | 30 years |
| Description of Duties Performed*: |
Started as a circuit designer. Promoted to lead radar design groups. Managed a department which design test equipments. Managed product design, manufacturing and have full profit/loss responsibility. Managed a $40M depot operation selling spares, repairs and refurbish hardware. Managed factories with 700+ employees. |
* In your current employment, if you serve as staff to, or a consultant to, or are under contract with the Governor of California, a member of the California Legislature, a California member of Congress, or a member of the State Board of Equalization you must disclose that here.
Activities:
Describe the professional, social, political, volunteer, and community activities in which you have engaged that you believe are relevant to serving as a commissioner, as discussed in Regulation 60847. The responses to this question are limited to no more than 3200 characters including spaces (approximately 500 words). You may cut and paste text from any word processing program such as Microsoft Word.
I am glad to have the opportunity to repay the community which raised me since childhood. It has been an honor to serve the City, businesses and non-profit organizations which have contributed so much to our Claremont community. (Councilmember, City of Claremont; Committee Member, Pilgrim Place Finance Committee; Past member, Committee on Human Relation; Past boardmember, Claremont Community Foundation; American Red Cross, Claremont Chapter; Claremont Chamber of Commerce; Member, Claremont United Church of Christ Congregational (CUCCC); Board of Mission and Social Action, CUCCC.)
I have had a strong interest in developing good public transportation for the San Gabriel Valley. I became involved working with the shuttle-ride share services of the PVTA, intra-city bus network of Foothill Transit and the Goldline Light Rail System. An effective transit system with a strong hub and plenty of interconnecting spokes can go far to displace the inefficient single driver vehicles and congested freeways. {Boardmember, Joint Power Authority, Goldline Foothill Extension Light Rail;Past boardmember, Foothill Transit Bus System; Past Chairman, Pomona Valley Transit Authority (PVTA)}
I have participated in regional governance because problems can easily be solved by cities working together than individually. The ICA organization enables smaller cities to retain local control. Transportation, affordable housing, pollution control and energy conservation are best managed at the local level. (President, Independent Cities Association (ICA), representing fifty three full service cities and seven million voters in the Los Angeles County; Boardmember, LA County Library Commission; Member, League of California Cities (LCC); San Gabriel Valley Council of Government, San Gabriel Valley Economic Development; Past boardmember; LA County Sanitation District.)
Following my election to the Claremont City Council in 2003, I participated in three regional and national Asian Caucuses because I found that Asians were poorly represented at all levels of government. I have organized get-out-the-vote campaigns and encouraged young Asian college graduates to consider politics as a career. I am involved with fund raising for political internships for young people. I have mentored Asian candidates in running effective political campaigns. Recently, as Vice-President of the API Caucus, I have cooperated with Latino and African-American caucuses. Together we have persuaded the LCC Board of Directors to reflect their racial composition the diversity of California. (Vice President, Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus of LCC; Boardmember, Chinese-American Elected Officials; Member, Asian Pacific Municipal Officials of National League of Cities.)
Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE); Computer Society and Circuits and Systems Society of IEEE)
I have participated in the local, regional, state and national level on wide ranging political, economical and representational issues. In my campaign and my personal philosophy, I value transparency and fairness to insure the widest degree of public participation in community service and government.
Criminal History
Have you ever been convicted by any court of a felony?
If yes, please provide the following information:
| Date: | |
| Court: | |
| Location: | |
| * Offense (other pertinent information): |
* If known, include the reference to the statute under which you were convicted (i.e. Penal Code section 424).
Voting Information
When you voted in any of the last three statewide general elections (i.e. the elections in November 2004, November 2006, and November 2008), did you vote using a different name or address than your current name or address?
Former Residences
List all of the places you have lived for 30 days or more at one time during the last 10 years (but list no information for where you lived prior to your 18th birthday). This does not include your current residence. If you lived in temporary housing while permanently residing somewhere else, note that with an * in the address line.
| From Date: | 1988 |
| To Date: | Present |
| City, State, Zip Code: | Claremont, Ca. 91711 |
| County (or Country if Outside the United States): | Los Angeles |
Financial Contributions
List all of the monetary and non-monetary contributions of $250 or more that you have made in any single calendar year during the past 2 years to any professional, social, political, volunteer, and community organizations and causes. Begin with your most recent contribution.
| Date of Contribution, if known: | 2008 |
| Organization: | Upland Rotary |
| Location: | Upland, Ca. |
| Amount: | $1000 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | 2008 |
| Organization: | Claremont United Church of Christ |
| Location: | Claremont, Ca. |
| Amount: | 2300 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | 2008 |
| Organization: | Chinese American Museum |
| Location: | Los Angeles, Ca. |
| Amount: | 550 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | 3/30/2009 |
| Organization: | Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic |
| Location: | Uplland, Ca. |
| Amount: | 300 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | Sept. 2009 |
| Organization: | Chinese American Museum |
| Location: | Los Angeles, Ca. |
| Amount: | 500 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | 2009 |
| Organization: | Claremont United Church of Christ |
| Location: | Claremont |
| Amount: | 2400 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | 2009 |
| Organization: | Upland Rotary |
| Location: | Upland, Ca. |
| Amount: | 2000 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | 2009 |
| Organization: | TECOLA 88 Flood Disaster Relief |
| Location: | Los Angeles, Ca |
| Amount: | 400 |
Part 3: Family Information
You must provide information about each living family member described in this paragraph. Information about each applicant’s family members is necessary to determine whether an applicant has a conflict of interest that would prohibit the applicant from serving on the commission. In this part of the application, you must provide information about your living parents, spouse, registered domestic partner (RDP), children, siblings, parents in-law, siblings in-law, sons and daughters in-law. Step-parents, step-children, and step-siblings count as parents, children, and siblings.
Do you have any family members as described above?
You are required to list information for each family member in a separate set of fields. The relationship, name, occupation, and employer may be posted on the Internet as explained in the privacy statement contained in this application. No other information will be posted on the Internet.
| Name: | Linda Yao |
| Relationship: | Spouse/Registed Domestic Partner (RDP) |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Richard Yao |
| Relationship: | Child |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Margaret Crusey |
| Relationship: | Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Bill Crusey |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Spouse/RDP of Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Sherry Miranda |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Sibling of Spouse/RDP |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | John Miranda |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Spouse/RDP of Your Spouse’s/RDP’s Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Maisie Blackwell |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Sibling of Spouse/RDP |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Jim Blackwell |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Spouse/RDP of Your Spouse’s/RDP’s Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Leslie Szeto |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Sibling of Spouse/RDP |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Wai Szeto |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Spouse/RDP of Your Spouse’s/RDP’s Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Donna Ransom |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Sibling of Spouse/RDP |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | J. R. Ransom |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Spouse/RDP of Your Spouse’s/RDP’s Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Lyman Chin |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Sibling of Spouse/RDP |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Rui Yu Yao |
| Relationship: | Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Julian Li |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Spouse/RDP of Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Lana Fok |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Sibling of Spouse/RDP |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Raymond Fok |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Spouse/RDP of Your Spouse’s/RDP’s Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Karen Lee |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Sibling of Spouse/RDP |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Wing Lee |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Spouse/RDP of Your Spouse’s/RDP’s Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | Holly Jang |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Sibling of Spouse/RDP |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
| Name: | John Jang |
| Relationship: | Brother or Sister in-law: Spouse/RDP of Your Spouse’s/RDP’s Sibling |
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For this family member, you must state whether within the past 10 years the person has engaged in any of the activities that could cause you to have a conflict of interest under the Voters FIRST Act. The following is a list of those activities:
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| Within the past 10 years, has this family member engaged in any of the activities listed above that could cause you to have a conflict of interest?: | Yes No |
| If you answered “Yes” to the last question: | |
| – When did the activity occur?: | |
| – What was the activity?: | |
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For each family member you must indicate whether you have a special (bona fide) relationship with that person. You have a special (bona fide) relationship with a family member if during the past 12 months you have (Guidance on Conflicts of Interest):
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| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |
Other Relevant Material:
Describe any other relevant information that you consider important that was not otherwise requested in the application. The responses to this question are limited to no more than 3200 characters including spaces (approximately 500 words). You may cut and paste text from any word processing program such as Word.
My family and work experience may shed additional light on my ability to grasp the diversity and complexity of California. My ability to innovate and be flexible is demonstrated in the progress of my chosen career. I have been called upon to assume new challenges that were not directly connected to my area of expertise.
My family is in many ways a microcosm of California. I was a young adolescent when I came to this country. My wife’s Chinese American family came to the U.S. shortly after the Civil War. I live and interact with a large family that has a wide range of marriage ties that go far beyond the traditional Chinese American community. Our family includes Mexican Americans, African Americans and Anglo-Americans. With that, the religious affiliations include Buddhist, Protestants, Catholics, Mormon and Jewish members, following a wide range of occupations and professions. Lawyers, professors, plumbers, business people, engineers and educators. The majority lives in California showing a wide geographic diversity. When I was elected in 2003, the Chinese press picked up on my election because I was the only Chinese American elected official to represent a pre-dominantly non-Asian population.
My career began as an engineer with Raytheon. I was promoted regularly, often outside of my technical specialty. I was recognized for my ability in coming up with unique solutions. My first promotion took me away from circuit design to head up a test engineering function. My superiors recognized my ability because I was able to envision the product testing beyond the written specification.
In my next promotion, I ran entire factory when the produce line failed to meet its deadlines. I managed the parts procurement, inventory, planning, scheduling factory floor, finance, testing and shipping departments with operations in California and Mississippi. While my background was not in manufacturing, I was selected in recruiting the right team of general manager, process engineers, line managers, etc. We developed and implemented a more efficient and effective manufacturing process.
I was given the responsibility to turn around the Product Support Laboratory of Raytheon. I proposed a radical change in the culture by allowing the laboratory to function according to customer driven time tables. Through this innovation, the entire corporation’s bottom line improved significantly.
I ended my career at Raytheon by serving as Director of Engineering. My assignment was to change the company’s engineering design methodology for functionality to include design for ease of production and serviceability. I was unique in being able to combine experience in engineering design, production and product support.
I have a proven record of experience, competence and confidence which I can bring to the redistricting commission. I have the technical education, professional competence and the political experience and the strong commitment to fairness. I can envision California’s electoral representation based on fairness and impartiality.
Part 4: Letters of Recommendation
An applicant must submit or arrange for the submission of three letters of recommendation from individuals or organizations. A letter of recommendation may be no longer than two pages. A description of the elements of a letter of recommendation is provided at the bureau’s web site. (Note: A public comment submitted about you will not count as a letter of recommendation.)
An applicant shall submit the required letters of recommendation to the bureau on or before April 19. Applicants shall submit the letters of recommendation to the bureau via e-mail to votersfirstact@auditor.ca.gov, or by facsimile, United States mail, or other common carrier. Letters of recommendation received by the bureau after April 19 will not be considered, and the applicant will not continue on in the application process.
On all of your letters of recommendation, you must include your application ID, which is 16250. The identification number is unique to your application and insures that each of your letters of recommendation is correctly attached to your application file before it is reviewed by the Applicant Review Panel. The letters of recommendation may be addressed to the Applicant Review Panel and can be mailed to 555 Capitol Mall, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA, 95814 in care of the State Auditor. They may also be faxed to 916-319-9295 or e-mailed to votersfirstact@auditor.ca.gov. E-mail is the preferred method of delivery.
Part 5: Financial Disclosure Form
If likely to be selected for an interview, you will be required to submit FPPC Form 700, Statement of Economic Interests. You do not need to submit that form now.
Part 6: PRIVACY NOTIFICATION AND WAIVER
LEGAL AUTHORITY AND REASON FOR COLLECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
The Voters FIRST Act (the Act) and the regulations implementing the Act require that the selection of commissioners on the Citizens Redistricting Commission (commission) be open to public scrutiny and the press (see California Constitution, Article XXI, section 2, subdivision (c); California Goverment Code sections 8252, 11120, 11121, and 11125.1; California Code of Regulations, title 2, sections 60836, 60842, and 60846). The Act also requires that the Bureau of State Audits (bureau) select 60 of the most qualified applicants based upon their voter affiliation, their eligibility to serve pursuant to Article XXI of the California Constitution, the absence of any conflicts of interest, their relevant analytical skills, ability to be impartial, appreciation for California’s diverse demographics and geography, and their racial, ethnic, geographic, gender and economic diversity. To determine each applicant’s identity and qualifications to serve on the commission, and to track the demographic information of the applicant pool, this application seeks personal information about applicants that will be provided to the Applicant Review Panel, bureau staff, the public, including members of the press, the Legislature, and the commission.
CONSEQUENCE OF NOT PROVIDING ALL REQUESTED INFORMATION
Failure to provide all of the requested information will result in your disqualification and the removal of your name from the applicant pool. Thus, if you wish to serve on the commission, for each item of information requested, it is mandatory that you submit a response.
PERMISSION TO USE AND RELEASE PERSONAL INFORMATION
By submitting this application, you acknowledge that the application, all documents submitted in support of your application, including a Statement of Economic Interests (FPPC Form 700), if you are asked to submit one, letters of recommendation, materials generated as a result of any bureau or Applicant Review Panel investigation of you, and all comments about and responses to comments about your application are public records. You agree that the bureau shall provide copies of these materials to members of the public and the press, members and staff of the Applicant Review Panel, bureau staff, the Legislature, the commission, and as otherwise compelled by law. You understand that members of the Applicant Review Panel and the public may make public statements about you. You authorize the bureau to use the information submitted by and about you as the bureau deems necessary to select commissioners and replacement commissioners or otherwise comply with its legal duties, and you also authorize the bureau to post all materials related to your application to serve on the commission on its website.
VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF PRIVACY RIGHTS AND BUREAU LIABILITY
By applying to be a commissioner, you are waiving your privacy and other rights under various state and federal laws, including, but not limited to, the Information Practices Act (Cal. Civil Code section 1798 et seq.), and any defamation, invasion of privacy, and negligence claim you may have against the bureau and those acting on its behalf. Accordingly, by waiving your privacy rights, you are agreeing to permit the bureau to release any and all information submitted by or about you, EXCEPT that the bureau will not post on the Internet your date of birth, physical, mailing, and e-mail addresses (excluding the city and county), and telephone numbers, or the addresses and telephone numbers of your immediate family members. At this point in the process, the bureau will not collect, and please do not voluntarily submit to the bureau, your social security number, driver’s license number, financial account numbers, or health information. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to the release of the information you and others are providing related to you, and except as specifically provided above, you are waiving your right to privacy regarding all information relating to you and your application to serve as a commissioner. This waiver authorizes the bureau to make public information submitted by or about you for a period of twelve (12) years from the date of your application, even if you are not selected as a commissioner. You are providing this waiver voluntarily, understanding that the bureau shall not be legally liable as a result of the release of information submitted by or about you, or as the result of comments made about you by others, that the bureau posts on its website or otherwise releases publicly. This includes claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, and any other statutory or common law claims.
WHO TO CONTACT
You have a right to review personal information the bureau maintains about you and verify its accuracy. Please contact the bureau’s Privacy Officer at (916) 445-0255, 555 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, California, 95814 if you would like to view or obtain information about the location of your records and the categories of persons who use the information in your records.
Affirmation
I affirm, by entering my initials in the box, that the statements contained in this application are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and that I have read and understand the Privacy Notification and Waiver.
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