Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below.
Name: Joe Kalmick
Age: 81
Current job title: Retired
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: City of Seal Beach City Council, District 1, current term expires Dec. 31; two terms as mayor.
City where you reside: Seal Beach
What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
The district needs to provide more curriculum for vocational and technical programs and, with potential changes in state law, be able to offer bachelor’s degrees in the allowed disciplines. The CCC can work with other districts to lobby state legislatures to fund these programs, as well as grants from the CCC Foundation.
To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
As the CCC Mission Statement says, CCC promotes academic excellence and student success. Unlike the CSU and UC system, Community Colleges can provide more than just an academic degree or transfer credits. There is workforce preparation, and education opportunities for all age groups.The Community Colleges should have the ability to pivot to the educational needs of the community.
In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Additional student housing should be a priority for Golden West and Orange Coast College (Coastline College has mostly online students). According to the CCC Foundation, the number of students who are unhoused is increasing, as well as students looking for affordable housing near the campus. The Board of Trustees must work with the Chancellor’s office to begin budgeting to acquire property for more affordable campus housing. This should be part of a plan to expand the role of our Community College system.
What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Cyberattacks have become a serious problem for individuals, businesses, large corporations, and government at all levels. The Canvas data breach is similar to ransomware attacks that I am familiar with. Hopefully, the CCC has strengthened its security protocols since that attack. If elected, I would ask for a review by the Chancellor’s office to make sure that we are keeping current to be able to defend against cyberattacks.
How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
There may be benefits for the use of AI in the classroom if it can assist faculty in the presentation of materials. Or the faculty member might allow it to students in a controlled situation. However, I do not think that students should be allowed to use AI to complete homework assignments or term papers, and I feel that there should be consequences for doing so.
How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
Civil discourse is becoming a lost art. Much of the blame for this is the constant presence of cell phones in the classroom. If instructors are able to keep phones off during class, then perhaps they can initiate discussions on the subject at hand, regardless of the class subject matter. Encourage the scheduling of more campus speakers, and have discussions after the presentations.
What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
As I complete my eighth and final year serving on the Seal Beach City Council, as well as two terms as mayor, I have gained a great deal of experience as part of the policymaking part of our city government. I work on a regular basis with our city manager, and of course work with my council colleagues and city staff to produce a balanced city budget. To be effective, one needs to be able to have a non-partisan and cordial relationship with council colleagues, department heads, and police and fire. I feel that this experience would serve me well as a Board Trustee. In addition, I served on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Fire Authority for five years, where we were charged with reviewing and approving a budget of over $600 million and supervising negotiations with five labor groups.
If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)
My campaign mascot would be the Eveready Energizer Bunny. He would represent an active and “energetic” campaign for the Trustee office.
Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.
The City of Seal Beach 2026/2027 Budget Book. It was a compelling read as it delivered a balanced budget. Normally I favor non-fiction, but I haven’t had much time for recreational reading this past year.