Supplemental Application for Citizens Redistricting Commission
- Name: Gabino T. Aguirre
- City: Santa Paula, CA
Submission Timestamp: 04/19/2010 12:53:58
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.
The notion of democratic representation has been part of my work since I first grasped the essence of politics as an undergraduate in college during the Civil Rights and Chicano movements. Civic and political participation infuses community members with the sense that the political system is responding to what they want in terms of fair representation, individual rights and responsible policies. Community organizers, activists and scholars are well aware of how participatory pursuits prepare people in becoming politically and civically engaged in a democratic manner. The democratizing effect of these activities strengthen the connection between people and government. The absence of this representation and the deliberate use of redistricting for individual gain are the reasons I’m interested in this Commission.
Born into poverty within a farm worker family, I learned the virtue of hard work and the value of everybody pulling together. These foundational experiences drew me toward working with groups that were systematically marginalized by society.
The key issue for me is inclusiveness! Isolation and anomie work together to keep social groups ‘in their place’. The disenfranchised often see themselves as unworthy although some intuitively know there are larger social structures that keep opportunities beyond their grasp. These structures are complex and can only be understood by educating oneself and through participation in organized groups. In my various roles as educator, community activist, elected official, high school principal, board member and advocate for a variety of causes, I’ve endeavored to take lessons learned and to work smarter. I’ve become a lifelong learner both through praxis and academics having now earned a Ph.D. focus on the theories and methodologies of the social sciences. Along the way I’ve picked up valuable analytical and policy development skills.
On a political level, I’ve learned that the equitable distribution of resources, and who is at the table deciding on such distribution, are at the heart of many of our problems. We must expand participation to the broader community and especially to those on the margins of society. This will only happen if they perceive government as trustworthy and accessible and organized to serve the public interest and not stacked in favor of particular candidates or political parties. Civic and political engagement in political processes is a valuable component of actualizing democratic principles and responsible government policies.
It has been argued that community decisions that involve citizens are more likely to be acceptable and that public involvement often results in better decisions. I agree with this wholeheartedly and see participation on the Redistricting Commission as a continuation of my life’s work. I will draw on my extensive community-building experience and sense of fairness, equity and inclusiveness to work collaboratively with other commission members in achieving the most representative and accessible legislative district boundaries.
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.
Impartiality and the absence (or the appearance) of conflicts of interest are basic to the public’s trust of political and legislative work. I’ve come to realize that the redrawing of legislative jurisdictions has been an area of political decision making that has allowed officeholders to exercise their influence by drawing politically advantageous districts rather than districts that are in their constituents’ best interests. I also know that a primary concern regarding the involvement of community members in the redistricting process is that they don’t possess the legal expertise, experience, capacity, or knowledge that politicians and consultants do in order to do a credible job. My interest in this Commission is to remedy these perceptions, misapplications and misunderstandings.
I am reflective by nature and given to careful consideration of the facts to arrive at the best and most deliberate course of action. This mental attitude has been crafted on the anvil of life experience and strengthened within the various occupational and community projects I’ve undertaken. My role of counselor required that I be non-judgmental toward the needs of children/youth and their parents. Fairness and consistency were paramount to my credibility with my students. As a teacher, I took children from all walks of life, with varying degrees of prior educational experiences and differing learning styles, and treated each of them fairly and respectfully within a positive and safe learning environment. As a high school principal, discipline and the application of standards of comportment were a large part of my responsibility. Again, fairness and consistency were paramount to my professionalism and credibility with the school and general community. As a city councilman, I was elected at-large and took an oath to represent the total community. I am challenged to consider often conflicting interests ‘land use, labor rights, health and safety, resource allocation– and must analyze, render decisions and set policies in line with standards of fairness and that are legally defensible.
More often than not, I’ve had to set aside my own personal views and dealt with the facts objectively and with an open mind. This approach is a requirement in the establishment of legislative and State Board of Equalization districts that are in compliance with the U.S. Constitution, the Voting Rights Act and Article XXI(2)(d) of the California Constitution. I have no financial conflicts of interest as these are limited to my home and providing for my family. I am open to all individuals and groups and appreciate the diversity of perspectives and needs of all geographical areas of the state. Regarding support for candidates, political parties and social and political causes, I continually and systematically engage their positions with thorough analysis and in-depth consideration of their merits and demerits.
My record of community involvement is ample evidence of my ability to set aside personal interests, political opinions and group allegiances to achieve broad objectives.
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.
As a follower and admirer of Native-American tradition, I often refer to our geographical location on Mother Earth as ‘our little corner of the garden’. Notwithstanding the present economic challenges facing our state, California continues to embody the American dream with all its glitz, economic opportunity, cultural diversity and enlightened and progressive environmental and social policies. It is the preferred destination for much of the world populations. In regards to geographical diversity, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Our state is unique with all the challenges and opportunities presented by its cultural and physical mosaic. Human and environmental diversity is our strength and it continues to evolve as the world comes knocking at our door. This appreciation for California’s diversity is amply demonstrated by my position toward inclusiveness throughout my engagement with civil and human rights, annual voter registration drives, political campaigns, citizenship classes and civics education for youth and adults and community, state, national and international issues.
I have extensive experience in bringing diverse cultural and advocacy communities together to achieve community consensus and in setting and accomplishing mutual goals and a shared vision. For the past four decades I’ve engaged in coalition-building and collaboratives working to enhance the quality of life throughout the region. My leadership with project management and creating coalitions has been a key factor in successful efforts at developing and sustaining better communities.
Most recently, I’ve been part of a group that’s tackling issues of homelessness in the Santa Clara Valley. This coalition includes law enforcement, county and community-based organizations, public and community health agencies, clergy, educators and the general public. We’ve clarified our mission and initiated an information and public awareness campaign to further inform the local population and generate a dialogue with our constituents, organizations and the public. As a result, we’ve helped establish a meals program, a warming shelter and ongoing public advocacy have helped a large number of individuals and families. This was possible because we set aside our differences and focused on our collective humanity.
Other examples include Poder Popular (a grassroots organization of low-income primarily Mexican-background local residents), reopening of the local hospital, and working with Mayors for Peace under the auspices of the United Nations on the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty. The included list of activities expands and elucidates on my appreciation for California geographical and political diversity (see included list of activities).
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.
Most of my community and academic experiences have often required consideration and analysis of voluminous and complex sets of information that called for rendering an opinion or making a decision. In my post-graduate and dissertation work, I considered hundreds of tables and data sets and culled out essential information relevant to the study focus or thesis. This included consideration of many issues confronting groups in society within social, political and educational contexts.
In terms of knowledge of the redistricting process, I monitored the work of the Redistricting Task Force of Ventura County. This group of community members represented a broad cross-section of the county and worked together to redraw the Ventura County Board of Supervisor districts with the aim of reflecting their diversity and shared community interests. I reviewed some of their reports and participated in some of their discussions.
Locally, I’ve conducted precinct analysis to target voter registration and precinct walking as well as crafting outreach materials to best engage resident voters. I’ve presided over many public hearings involving complicated issues related to land use, zoning, public safety, budget development, personnel, resource allocation, housing and many others. I’ve used key work analysis software, expert opinions, mathematics and basic statistical modeling in considering and evaluating reports and the facts as presented. At times, I’ve had to use computer software to crunch spreadsheet information and data sets to arrive at relevant and fair conclusions. This information and data are often inherently confusing and ambiguous and therefore acceptable at face value. Logic and truth tables have sometimes been useful at arriving at essential information and I’ve often called on more expert practitioners for assistance. This is especially true for issues that have a legal dimension and attorneys have been valuable contributors to policy development and decision-making.
These are a few of my academic, volunteer and other life experiences I’ve had that demonstrate analytical skills relevant to fulfilling the mission of the Redistricting Commission. I have worked effectively with many groups and know the value of negotiation and building consensus.
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 Los Angeles |
| Course of Study/Major: | Education |
| Diploma, Degree, or Certificate Obtained: | Ph.D. |
| Date Completed, If Completed: | December 2001 |
| Number of Years Attended: | 8 |
| School Name and Location: | University of Southern California |
| Course of Study/Major: | Bilingual/Multicultural Education |
| Diploma, Degree, or Certificate Obtained: | Masters Degree |
| Date Completed, If Completed: | June 1977 |
| Number of Years Attended: | 2 |
| School Name and Location: | University of California Los Angeles |
| Course of Study/Major: | Sociology |
| Diploma, Degree, or Certificate Obtained: | Bachelors |
| Date Completed, If Completed: | March 1974 |
| Number of Years Attended: | 4 |
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: | October 2008 |
| To: | Present |
| Employer Name: | County of Ventura |
| Title/Job Classification (Include Range or Level, if applicable): | Contractor/Consultant |
| Total Worked (Years/Months): | 15 months |
| Description of Duties Performed*: |
In collaboration with Ventura County Behavioral Staff and other consultants, developed the Prevention and Early Intervention Component Plan under the Mental Health Services Act. One of my primary responsibilities was to ensure broad participation by unserved and underserved groups and geographic areas of the county. |
| From: | Sept 1977 |
| To: | June 2006 |
| Employer Name: | Moorpark Unified School District |
| Title/Job Classification (Include Range or Level, if applicable): | Teacher, Counselor, HS Principal |
| Total Worked (Years/Months): | 30 years |
| Description of Duties Performed*: |
I served as a teacher, bilingual counselor and administrator. As a high school Principal for almost 20 years, I was responsible for the instructional program, staff supervision and evaluation, facilities, testing, discipline and related administrative tasks. |
* 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.
Following is a more comprehensive list of activities I’ve engaged in. It adds to the information I included in my reponses to the above supplemental questions. As space for each question was limited to 3200 characters, I could only include a few brief examples. As such it serves as an addendum to these questions.
A listing of my community activities and professional interests is as follows
– wrote foundation grant ($250k) for Clinicas del Camino Real while
senior at UCLA (health clinic system)
– founding member of El Concilio del Condado de Ventura (social service
agency)
– founding member of LUCHA, Incorporated (presently serving as President)
– founding member of Save our Youth (youth violence prevention)
– past member of Peace and Freedom Party, La Raza Unida Party, Green Party
and Democratic Party
– member of Chicano Moratorium Committee (gave keynote address at the
500th year of Resistance Conference in San Diego in 1992)
– founding member of Santa Paula Cultural Arts Center
– founding member of Flor y Canto Cultural Center
– Santa Paula City Council in 2002 (served as Mayor, 2003)
– member of Mayors for Peace (only US mayor to participate in the Mayors
for Peace Delegation to the United Nations, 2004)
– member of The Atomic Mirror, non-governmental organization (NGO) with
official membership at the United Nations
– Co-chair of Civil Society Forum in Mexico City at the Nuclear Weapons
Free Zones (NWFZ) Conference (2004)
– presentation on NWFZ local activities at OPANAL Conference in Santiago,
Chile (2004)
– re-elected to City Council in 2006
– presently Chairperson of Community Action of Ventura County (anti-poverty
programs, weatherization and legal services)
– presently President of Santa Paula Latino Town Hall (advocacy)
– member of House Farmworkers Coalition
– member of Homeless Task Force
– coordinator of Farmworker Monument Project (the only monument in the U.S.
dedicated to and acknowledging the labor of farmworkers and others in
agriculture)
Professional Interests/Concerns (not in order of importance)
– Latino/Latina issues (health, education … )
– plight of farmworkers
– cultural arts
– economic development
– affordable and farmworker housing
– homelessness, shelter and hunger issues
– mental health and barriers to access for unserved and underserved
populations
– War in Iraq, Afghanistan (peace advocacy)
– nuclear weapons proliferation
– global warming and promotion of green technologies
– water as critical resource
– local politics and community empowerment
– comprehensive immigration reform
– healthcare for unserved/underserved children
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: | March 1973 |
| To Date: | Present |
| City, State, Zip Code: | Santa Paula, CA 93060 |
| County (or Country if Outside the United States): | Ventura County |
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: | 2/09 |
| Organization: | LUCHA, Inc. |
| Location: | Santa Paula, CA |
| Amount: | 250 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | 9/09 |
| Organization: | Latino Town Hall |
| Location: | Santa Paula, CA |
| Amount: | 265 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | various 2009 |
| Organization: | Farmworker Monument Project |
| Location: | Santa Paula, Ca |
| Amount: | 275 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | various 2008 |
| Organization: | Latino Town Hall |
| Location: | Santa Paula, CA |
| Amount: | 620 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | various 2008 |
| Organization: | Farmworker Monument Project |
| Location: | Santa Paula, CA |
| Amount: | 624 |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | 2008 |
| Organization: | CAUSE |
| Location: | Ventura, CA |
| Amount: | 250 |
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: | Mary Socorro Aguirre |
| Relationship: | Spouse/Registed Domestic Partner (RDP) |
|
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?: | |
|
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: | Liana Cihuatlpilli Aguirre |
| Relationship: | Child |
|
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: | Armando Cuauhtemoc Aguirre |
| 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: | Blas Aguirre |
| 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: | Benigno Aguirre |
| 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: | Celia Aguirre |
| 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: | Isabel Renteria |
| 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: | Javier Aguirre |
| 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: | Manuel Aguirre |
| 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: | Virginia Aguirre |
| Relationship: | Parent 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: | Megan Morreale |
| 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: | Sean Morreale |
| 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: | Milo Gorden |
| 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: | Elia Gorden |
| 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: | Armando Renteria |
| 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: | Joe Lira |
| 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: | James Gorden |
| Relationship: | Parent 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: | Mary Gorden |
| Relationship: | Parent 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: | Leticia Aguirre |
| 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: | Celia Phelan Aguirre |
| 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: | |
| Relationship: | |
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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: | |
| Relationship: | |
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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: | |
| Relationship: | |
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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: | |
| Relationship: | |
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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: | |
| Relationship: | |
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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.
The practice of redistricting is grounded in the United States Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection Clause, which requires states to govern impartially and stipulates that election rules that favor one segment of the population or disadvantage a politically weak segment of the community are violations of the amendment’s guarantee of equal protection. The Constitution protects citizens from voting districts that are drawn in partisan ways or that restrict one’s right to vote. Notwithstanding concerns regarding the complexity of the redistricting process and the general lack of expertise and knowledge of policies, legalities, mathematics and demography, it is my opinion that community members are up to the task if supported with a strong program of workshops, consultants and computer technology and modeling software.
Thank you for the opportunity and your consideration of my candidacy.
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 3622. 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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| School Name and Location: | |
| Course of Study/Major: | |
| Diploma, Degree, or Certificate Obtained: | |
| Date Completed, If Completed: | |
| Number of Years Attended: |
| From: | |
| To: | |
| Employer Name: | |
| Title/Job Classification (Include Range or Level, if applicable): | |
| Total Worked (Years/Months): | |
| Most Recent/Latest Supervisor: | |
| Address: | |
| Phone Number: | |
| Description of Duties Performed: |
| Date: | |
| Court: | |
| Location: | |
| * Offense (other pertinent information): |
| From Date: | |
| To Date: | |
| Address: | |
| City, State, Zip Code: | |
| County (or Country if Outside the United States): |
| Date of Contribution, if known: | |
| Organization: | |
| Location: | |
| Amount: |
| Name: | |
| Relationship: | |
| Home Address: | |
| Telephone Number: | |
| Current Occupation: | |
| Current Employer: | |
| Within the past 10 years, has the 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?: | |
| Do you have a special relationship with this person based on any of the three factors described above?: | Yes No |