Sue Sorensen
District: B
Age:55
Lenth of residency: 33 years
Occupation: Registered Dental Hygienist -- Co-owner Sorensen Denture Studio
Contact Info: Home - 582-3116 or sorensenforhanford.com
Other community service experience:
- March 2008 - Recipient of Soroptimist “Making a Difference for Women” Award
- Jan 2007 to present - COS President’s Hanford Advisory Committee
- Jun 2006 – Nov 2006 COS Measure C Bond Committee; co-Chair Co-chair with Neil Williams and Mike Robinson to inform community of educational needs and successfully pass $22 million bond to build phase 1 of College of Sequoias; 2 previous attempts had failed
- Jan 2006 – present City of Hanford Planning Commission; Vice-chair - 2007
- 2003 – Dec 2005 - City of Hanford Recreation Commission
- 2003 – present - Hanford Education Foundation; member
- Apr 2003 – Apr 2004 CSBA Governmental Relations Chair (GRC) for Nicole Parra for the 2003-04 legislative session
- Jan 2002 – Dec 2004 Kings County School Board Association (KCSBA) Secretary
- May 2002 COS Strategic Planning Town Hall Meeting; participant
- Jan/1999 California School Board Association (CSBA) Federal Issues Council; member Participated in CSBA Washington D. C. trip to lobby Congress and President in behalf of California children’s educational funding needs
- Jan 1999 – May 1999 Sober Graduation Committee Chairman (HJUHSD)
- Dec 1996 – Dec 2004 HJUHSD Board of Trustees; 2 terms Board President: 1999, 2003 Vocational Education Task Force Superintendent’s Advisory Committee HJUHSD Measure K Bond Committee Master in Boardsmanship Certificate; CSBA 2001 Master in Governance Certificate; CSBA 2003 Kings County School Board Association; officer, member CSBA Legislative Action Network
- Jan 1995 – May 1995 Sober Graduation Committee Co-Chair (HJUHSD)
- Sept 1994 HJUHSD Community Task Force; member
- Jan 1993 – May 1993 Sober Graduation Committee; games/activities Chairman
- May 1992 HJUHSD Volunteer of the Year
- Jan 1992 – May 1992 HJUHSD Tennis Coach, volunteer Preseason coach for boys and girls tennis teams; League coach for girls
- Mar 1991, Mar 1992 Hanford Tree Planting participant
- Nov 1988 – Dec 1996 HESD School Board Trustee; 2 terms Board Vice-President: 1990; 1994 Board President: 1991 KCSBA member Liaison Trustee to HJUHSD Opened 3 schools: Washington, MLK, JFK; purchased property for Simas Elementary
- May 1988 Hanford Elementary School District (HESD) Parent Volunteer of the Year
- Sept 1984 – June 1989 Jefferson Elementary School Parent Club Vice President
- May 1984-86 Hanford Piranhas Swim Team treasurer
- May 1981 – June 1982 First Baptist Play School President
Q and A with Sue Sorensen
1. Why did you decide to run?
I care about Hanford. I am deeply committed to fostering involvement, accomplishment and growth among Hanford’s citizens. I have spent thirty years volunteering and serving this wonderful city. From these opportunities I have gained a wealth of leadership experiences. I have developed a vision and learned to be creative when solving problems. My qualifications and experiences have given me the knowledge and background it takes to make the decisions that will benefit our citizens and determine the success of our community. By serving on the city council, I believe my independence and vision will help Hanford achieve its great potential.
2. What are your top 3 issues?
I believe that public safety, business growth that creates employment, and maintaining financial stability are three important issues. A community is measured by its quality of life. By investing in our public servants, both police and fire, we give our community the tools necessary to fight crime and gangs, and maintain a safe city. Economic issues are facing cities all over the country; it is important that Hanford works to find ways to stimulate and encourage businesses to thrive in our community. The jobs they bring will keep our city strong. At the same time it is of utmost importance that our city remains fiscally responsible by operating within its budget..
3. What is your position on moving the dispatch from the sheriffs to a centralized location with its own department supervisor?
The first question I would ask is does this change make our community safer? I would want to hear the information and recommendations from all parties involved to be able to understand the impact on our city. I believe as our community grows and the police and fire departments are stretched to cover more area, it is of vital importance that our agencies are organized and can communicate quickly and easily with each other. Decisions regarding dispatch should be made based on how effectively our citizens can be served as well as improving the safety of our community.
4. What is your political party affiliation? If you decline to state, tell us why.
The city council is a non-partisan race.
5. Do you have an ideological orientation that will influence you as a member of the Hanford City Council?
My understanding of ‘ideological orientation’ is the same as partisan politics. The focus of the city council involves the quality of life for all citizens regardless of political party affiliation. The concerns, ideas and voice of the citizens of Hanford are what will influence me as a city council member.
6. What is your position on the re-entry project currently proposed by the county for east Hanford?
It is important for Hanford to pursue opportunities that provide quality jobs as well as bring state funds to the county. This re-entry facility concept is an ‘out-of the-box’ approach to addressing the prison overcrowding issue as well as finding a way to improve job skills for inmates that are returning to our community. I think is it important that we study this project closely and understand all the effects it will have on our community. . Being able to understand the benefits and address all the concerns will be vital to the success of this project. So far, I feel this is a beneficial project for both the city and the county.
7. Do you have a vision for the city and downtown Hanford?
Yes. I see a city with a vibrant downtown that is unique and invites locals and visitors to its shops. I see a community with a variety of recreational activities that interests all ages and promotes healthy living. I see a city that establishes incentives for infill development and attracts businesses that bring in a variety of jobs. I see a city that understands the value of its youth and plans for the future. I see a city that provides quality local educational and vocational choices. I see a city that is prosperous, safe, and progressive. And most importantly I see the road we must take in order to achieve this vision. I love Hanford and I want to enjoy the opportunities that a healthy, well-planned community can provide.
8. How do you plan on implementing that vision as a city council member?
Implementing a vision as a city council member means working as part of a team and focusing on the needs and interests of the community. Each council member has a vision and a vote, but it takes all members working together to implement a unified vision that can make Hanford the best place to live. I know how to collaborate to get results, and I have had ample experience setting achievable goals, establishing sound budgets, and negotiating successful outcomes. With these strengths I will work as a city council team member to establish a common vision that represents the vision of Hanford’s citizens.
9. Do you have business interests or business or personal relationships, which will create conflicts of interest for you as a council member?
Not that I am aware of. If there is an issue that would be a conflict of interest for me, I would remove myself from that decision.
10. How do you deal with the homelessness in Hanford?
This is a delicate issue that all communities must address. It is important that the city partner with other agencies that understand the issue of homelessness. We also need to find other communities that have successful programs and use those programs as models to fashion our own solution that will improve the lives of those who are homeless.
Previous Articles with Sue SorensenSeptember 17th, 2009 September 11th, 2009 August 23rd, 2009 July 26th, 2009 July 9th, 2009 July 8th, 2009 April 21st, 2009 January 9th, 2009 January 1st, 2009 December 27th, 2008 December 5th, 2008 December 2nd, 2008 December 1st, 2008 November 30th, 2008 November 26th, 2008 October 25th, 2008 October 24th, 2008 October 18th, 2008 October 16th, 2008 October 14th, 2008 October 2nd, 2008 September 28th, 2008 September 25th, 2008 September 24th, 2008 September 20th, 2008 September 10th, 2008 August 8th, 2008 August 7th, 2008 August 1st, 2008 July 24th, 2008 July 16th, 2008 July 14th, 2008 July 12th, 2008
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