Having served eight years on the Piedmont City Council, including two years as mayor, I understand deeply that the true measure of public service is not the popularity of every individual decision; it is whether the institution is stronger, more accountable, and better prepared for the future when one’s service concludes. That is why I am again supporting Dr. Cindi Reiss for the Peralta Community College District Board.
When I endorsed Cindi in 2022, I noted her educational and accreditation experience, devotion to the common good, attention to detail, intellect and vision. I also recognized her willingness to challenge entrenched interests in pursuit of sound fiscal management. When she ran for the Board in 2018, Peralta faced serious financial instability, accreditation concerns, leadership turnover, board conflict, board micromanagement of chancellors and possible state-takeover of the district. Cindi Reiss has fulfilled those promises.
Today, Peralta is financially and institutionally stronger. Its four colleges are fully accredited. Stable executive leadership, stronger financial practices, greater transparency, and more disciplined long-range planning have replaced years of instability. Recent credit ratings reflect increased confidence in the District’s governance and financial direction, while 2025 bond-refunding transaction saved taxpayers $13.7 million.
These gains did not happen by accident. Cindi helped foster a Board culture focused on its proper responsibilities: setting policy, safeguarding public resources, requiring accountability, and supporting strong professional leadership without micromanaging it. She has also demonstrated the courage to make difficult decisions when the district’s long-term interests required them.
But recovery is not completion. Peralta must now carry its Transformation Plan from vision into implementation. That means reducing fragmentation, coordinating programs and services, strengthening pathways for students, and building a fiscal structure capable of sustaining the colleges well beyond the tenure of any trustee or administrator.
As Piedmont residents, we have a direct stake in Peralta’s future, in its strength and success. Whether it’s through our many Piedmont high school students that have participated in dual enrollment with Peralta by taking Calculus III: Partial Differentiation, Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra or business management classes; adults that have taken art and language classes, or through the thousands of students that Peralta’s colleges serve in Alameda County, Piedmont benefits from a strong Peralta Community College system. When Peralta helps students earn degrees, certificates or transfer to universities, and build economically secure lives, the benefits extend well beyond its campuses.
A strong Peralta means a stronger regional workforce, greater economic mobility, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and a healthier and more stable East Bay. Our support of Peralta’s colleges is an investment in the regional institutions and quality of life on which Piedmont itself depends.
I urge my fellow Piedmonters to reelect Dr. Cindi Reiss as Peralta Community College District Trustee, Area 5, on November 3