City Councilmember Steve Madison has endorsed Geoff Baum for the Pasadena Area Community College District Board of Trustees, citing Baum’s previous service at Pasadena City College (PCC) and his involvement in West Pasadena civic issues.
Baum is running to represent Trustee Area 1 in the Nov. 3 election. The nonpartisan district includes parts of Pasadena and the city of La Cañada Flintridge.
“Geoff Baum and I have worked closely together on a wide variety of issues that matter to West Pasadena and the city as a whole,” Madison said in a statement released by Baum’s campaign. “I have seen him put in the time, listen to neighbors and stay with difficult problems until the work is done.”
Madison said Baum’s previous service on the PCC Board of Trustees and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors would provide experience needed on the college board.
“PCC needs trustees who understand both the college and the communities it serves, and Geoff brings that experience and the mature wisdom and judgment he has as a result to the job,” Madison said. “I am extremely proud to endorse him.”
Madison has represented Pasadena’s District 6 since 1999. The district includes much of West Pasadena and neighborhoods around the Rose Bowl and Arroyo Seco. On Sept. 1, Madison surpassed a City Council longevity record that had stood since 1959, according to Baum’s campaign.
Madison and Baum were both involved in the yearslong effort to stop the proposed extension of the Long Beach Freeway, or state Route 710, through Pasadena. Madison authored a 2000 City Council resolution opposing the extension, while Baum served on the city’s 710 Freeway Alternatives Advisory Group.
Baum also served as Madison’s appointee to the Pasadena Community Access Corp. Board and the Pasadena Redistricting Commission. Their work together has included matters involving the Rose Bowl, West Pasadena neighborhoods and city government.
“Steve Madison has been an extraordinary advocate for our community and one of the most effective public servants our city has known,” Baum said. “We have stood together on some of the biggest issues facing West Pasadena, from stopping the 710 extension to protecting the neighborhoods around the Rose Bowl.”
Baum previously served three elected terms on the PCC Board of Trustees, including two terms as board president. He later served for 12 years on the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and was twice elected its president.
The campaign said Madison will join Baum for an upcoming community discussion about PCC’s role in education, workforce preparation and regional rebuilding. A date and location have not been announced.
“PCC has an important role to play in our region’s future,” Baum said. “These conversations are a chance to listen to community leaders and residents and talk concretely about how the college can help students, employers and neighborhoods move forward.”
Baum’s campaign priorities include college affordability, transfer opportunities, career and technical education, workforce training and oversight of PCC’s voter-approved facilities bond program. His campaign also lists programs supporting post-Eaton Fire rebuilding among its workforce-development priorities.
Area 1 includes Linda Vista, San Rafael, South Orange Grove, Old Pasadena, the Playhouse District, Madison Heights and La Cañada Flintridge. Mail ballots are scheduled to be sent to voters in early October.
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