Terrance Tom

Party: Nonpartisan

Age: 61

Job: Attorney-At-Law, self employed.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii. In Hawaii from birth

Lives: Kane'ohe

Contact: (808) 521-2333, ttom@hawaii.rr.com

Job history past 10 years:
Attorney in private practice.

Ever run for public office? When? Outcome?
Yes, 1980 through 1998. Served as a State Legislator in the House of Representatives from 1982 through 1998.

Other civic experience or community service:
Child Law Section, Hawaii Bar Association; Family Law Section, Hawaii Bar Association.

Anything else you'd like voters to know about you?
My past record of accomplishments in the Legislature speaks for itself. I have always been a fighter. I will fight for our children. Our children represents Hawaii's future.

1) Why are you running for office?
I love people. I love challenges, and the ability to bring our stakeholders together, and to get things done. I have a genuine passion to advocate for causes that I believe in. I want to make a difference in providing a quality education for each child in Hawaii. My experiences as an attorney for 35 years, and a Legislator for 16 years gives me the tools I need to effectively serve our children.

2) How should the DOE deal with budget cuts? Where should reductions occur?
Studies show that the DOE is being shortchanged by as much as $178 million dollars. I do not support any reductions to our DOE budget when it comes to our keiki, especially cuts earmarked for our schools. Funds must be spent at the school level to address: student performance; operating expenses; supplies; repairs for our classrooms; teachers' salaries and benefits, and administrative expenses.

3) How should the DOE modify its school funding formula to more fairly distribute money to schools?
Any school funding formula to more fairly distribute money to schools will not work unless the DOE budget has sufficient funds to make it work. By merely creating formulas with the same pot of money, is a discredit to our children's future. We must insure that every public school, large and small, are adequately funded to run its programs, and to meet its basic needs and expenses.

4) How should a teacher drug-testing program be administered and funded?
The objective of any successful drug-testing program of teachers is to immediately remove a teacher suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol from the classroom. Standards for a "reasonable suspicion" test must be created jointly by the DOE, State Admin., BOE, and teachers. The Program must be fully funded by the State Admin., and not from the DOE's budget at the school level.

5) How many children do you have, and did they attend public or private school?
I have two adult children, and they attended private schools.

6) What's the No. 1 initiative you would pursue in 2009?
My No. 1 initiative is to advocate for more money for our children in school. In order to address "student success", more money must be earmarked at the school level. Education and public awareness of the issue; collaboration among our stakeholders; and advocating for the opportunity of every child to succeed in achieving one's dreams; are the tools we will need to succeed.