Julio Ramos
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Julio Ramos ran for election to the San Francisco Community College Board in California. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Ramos completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Julio Ramos was born in Los Angeles, California. Ramos' career experience includes working as an attorney at law. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1986 to 1992. Ramos earned a law degree from Columbia University in 1995.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: City elections in San Francisco, California (2024)
General election
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Ramos in this election.
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Julio Ramos completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ramos' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Expand all | Collapse all
I am a consumer rights attorney with a deep commitment to advocating for fairness and equity in our community. Throughout my career, I have worked to protect the rights of individuals and ensure that everyone has access to the opportunities and services they deserve. My experience in fighting for justice has strengthened my belief in the power of education as a tool for empowerment and social mobility. Now, I am running for the San Francisco City College Board of Trustees to extend that advocacy, ensuring that every student has access to high-quality, affordable education that will help them build a brighter future.
- I am committed to protecting and expanding free tuition at City College, ensuring that every San Franciscan has access to quality education without financial barriers.
- I will prioritize responsible financial management and strategic planning to maintain City College’s financial health, ensuring it remains a strong institution for future generations.
- I will champion policies that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, creating an environment where all students, regardless of background, feel supported and empowered to succeed.
I am deeply passionate about education policy, particularly expanding access to affordable, high-quality education for all. I believe that education is the foundation of opportunity and a vital tool for economic mobility. Additionally, I am committed to advocating for equity and inclusion, ensuring that marginalized communities have the resources and support they need to thrive. Finally, I care strongly about consumer protection and workers' rights, fighting for fairness and justice in the workplace and marketplace.
The Community College Board plays a crucial role in shaping the future of education in our city, serving as a bridge between the state government, the local community, and students. The board's oversight of programs like free tuition directly impacts the accessibility and affordability of education, enabling students to achieve their educational and career goals.
By promoting equity and ensuring high academic standards, the board plays a vital role in fostering economic and social mobility for our residents. Additionally, the board's ability to foster community engagement and partnerships helps ensure the college is meeting the needs of the local community and contributing to economic development.
Effective governance and leadership are essential for the board to fulfill its mission. By promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among board members, we can ensure that the board is making decisions in the best interests of students and the community. I admire Bill Clinton, who, despite being raised by a single mother and coming from a humble background, rose to become President of the United States. His journey reflects resilience, determination, and the power of education and hard work. Clinton’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his commitment to public service, particularly in areas like economic reform and expanding access to education, serve as an example of what it means to overcome adversity and make a lasting impact. His story reminds me that, regardless of where you start, perseverance and dedication can lead to significant change.
Integrity is the bedrock of effective leadership. Elected officials must be honest and transparent in their actions, building trust with their constituents. Accountability is equally essential—leaders should be held responsible for their decisions and responsive to the needs of the community. Empathy is key to understanding diverse perspectives and making policies that benefit all. By combining these qualities with a commitment to fairness and equity, elected officials can create a more just and equitable society.
As a lawyer, I have consistently fought for the underdog, advocating for those who may not have the resources or power to stand up for their rights. This has instilled in me a deep sense of justice, empathy, and determination—qualities I believe are essential for a successful officeholder. I am committed to ensuring that every voice in our community is heard, especially those who are often overlooked. My experience in standing up for fairness and equity drives me to work hard, find solutions to complex problems, and always prioritize the needs of the people I represent.
As a City College Board Trustee, my primary responsibility would be to ensure the college remains accessible, affordable, and academically excellent for all students. This involves overseeing financial sustainability, advocating for student-centered initiatives, and promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity.
To measure student success, I would focus on increasing graduation rates, improving transfer rates, and enhancing job placement. I would also advocate for increased financial aid, expanded tutoring services, and mental health support programs.
To strengthen the college's connection to the community, I would foster partnerships with local businesses, industries, and organizations. I would also actively seek input from the community to ensure the college is meeting their needs and contributing to the local economy.
As a trustee, I would uphold the highest ethical standards and lead by example. I would also play a key role in developing and overseeing the college's strategic plan, ensuring that we are working towards long-term goals and objectives. I would like to leave a legacy of creating affordable housing for both students and teachers on campus. By establishing accessible housing, we can address one of the most significant challenges facing our educational community—housing insecurity. Providing stable, affordable living options will not only allow students to focus on their education without the burden of excessive rent but will also support teachers, enabling them to live close to campus and remain deeply engaged with the student body. This initiative would create a more inclusive, supportive environment where education can truly thrive.
One of the first impactful memories I have is seeing the Vietnam War broadcast on television when I was just 4 years old. While I was too young to fully understand the complexities of war, it left a lasting impression on me about the gravity of world events and the importance of leadership during difficult times. As I grew older, I came to admire figures who stood for peace, justice, and integrity—leaders who worked tirelessly to promote human rights and equality in the face of adversity.
The first significant historical event I recall was when I delivered newspapers from age 12 to 15. It wasn’t just a job; it gave me a front-row seat to important news and events shaping the world at the time. Handling and reading the headlines each day sparked my awareness of current events and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and connection to the community. This experience laid the foundation for my interest in public service and staying informed about the world around me.
My favorite book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. It was the first book that made me laugh, and it taught me the value of keeping an open mind and trying new things, even when they seem unfamiliar or challenging. The simplicity of the story, combined with its powerful message about curiosity and perspective, has stayed with me over the years. It’s a reminder that growth often comes from stepping outside our comfort zone.
I would choose to be Harry Potter. Not only does he possess incredible magical abilities, but he also exemplifies courage, resilience, and loyalty. Despite facing immense challenges and adversity, Harry remains committed to doing what is right and protecting those he cares about. His journey is one of growth, friendship, and self-discovery, all while standing up against injustice. I admire his ability to inspire others and his unwavering dedication to the greater good.
Raising a family in San Francisco has been a significant challenge due to the high cost of living and skyrocketing housing prices. These financial pressures have stretched our family’s resources to the limit, making it difficult to balance essential needs and long-term goals. The struggle to afford housing and provide for my family in such an expensive city has given me firsthand insight into the difficulties many residents face. This experience fuels my commitment to advocating for affordable housing and equitable economic policies that can ease the burden for families across our community.
Beyond its well-known responsibilities, the Community College Board plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the institution through policy-setting and long-term planning. This includes decisions on curriculum development, which directly impact the types of programs and resources available to students. By focusing on workforce development and career training, the board can help students develop the skills needed to succeed in the local job market.
The board's ability to advocate for state and federal funding is essential for the financial health of the college. This funding can support new programs, expand student services, and improve facilities. Additionally, the board's authority to hire and evaluate key leadership positions, such as the Chancellor, shapes the culture and effectiveness of the institution.
By effectively fulfilling these responsibilities, the board can ensure that the college is meeting the needs of students and the community, while also promoting economic development and social mobility. While prior experience in government or politics can be beneficial, it's not the only pathway to being an effective officeholder. Understanding public policy, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement is certainly helpful, but what's equally important is a deep commitment to public service, a passion for education, and the ability to listen to and collaborate with the community.
Fresh perspectives from outside traditional political circles can bring new ideas and innovation. For example, a passionate educator might advocate for increased funding for student support services, while a community organizer might focus on improving access to higher education for underserved populations.
Ultimately, what matters most is a strong commitment to improving the lives of students and the ability to build partnerships that drive positive change. By focusing on measurable outcomes and working collaboratively with stakeholders, we can ensure that our educational institutions are serving the needs of our community. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for holders of this office, as they must guide the institution's direction and engage with a wide range of stakeholders. Effective communication can foster collaboration, improve morale, and ensure that the college is meeting the needs of students, faculty, and staff.
Financial expertise is critical for managing budgets and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the college. Experience in education policy or administration is also valuable, as it helps in understanding the needs of students, faculty, and staff.
The ability to build coalitions and advocate effectively for resources is crucial for securing state and federal funding. By fostering partnerships with local businesses, industries, and community organizations, the board can ensure the college is relevant to the needs of the local economy and contributing to community development.
Above all, empathy and a commitment to equity ensure that decisions reflect the diverse needs of the community and promote inclusive, accessible education. The Community College Board holds a unique position within local government, directly influencing the accessibility and quality of higher education for thousands of residents. Its decisions shape educational opportunities that drive economic mobility, workforce development, and community growth.
By overseeing programs like free tuition, budgeting, and institutional governance, the board plays a critical role in ensuring that City College remains a vibrant, inclusive resource for all. Access to free tuition can help students achieve their educational and career goals, while effective budgeting and governance can ensure the college's long-term sustainability.
The board also plays a key role in connecting the local community with broader state and federal education policies. By fostering partnerships with local businesses, industries, and community organizations, the board can ensure the college is relevant to the needs of the local economy and contributing to community development. What do you call a Zen master in charge of snacks?
A Chipmunk! (A playful combination of "Zen" and "chips!")
• Aaron Peskin
• Ahsha Safai
• Manohar Raju
• Matt Gonzales
• Shanell Williams
• Briggite Davila
• John Rizzo
• David Canepa Financial transparency and government accountability are essential for maintaining public trust. Elected officials have a duty to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and that financial decisions are open to scrutiny. By providing clear, accessible reporting on budgets and spending, we can empower the community to understand how resources are being used and identify potential inefficiencies.
A lack of transparency and accountability can lead to corruption, misuse of public funds, and erosion of public trust. Therefore, it's imperative that elected officials are held accountable for their decisions and actions.
Citizens play a vital role in ensuring government accountability. By participating in budget hearings, utilizing FOIA requests, and supporting organizations that promote transparency, we can hold our elected officials accountable and build a stronger, more trusted relationship between institutions and the public. Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 12, 2024
