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Testimonials
 I felt extremely fortunate to have been part of the 2010 Kern Leaders Academy class. Mr. Turnipseed and the entire faculty did an outstanding job teaching us about the needs and issues of the people living in Kern County, and that alone would have been a invaluable lesson but they took it one step further by showing us what we can do combat those issues and meet those needs. The Kern Leaders Academy equipped us with the tools necessary to become not only advocates for our community, but leaders within in. I sincerely thank the staff, faculty and my classmates for providing me with a truly life enriching experience that I will continue to draw from as I grow as a leader in Kern County.
— Corrine Coats, 2010
 The Kern Leaders Academy was beyond my expectations. The classes were informative, insightful and engaging, definitely worth the time commitment required. I strongly suggest anyone who may be interested in holding a public office or looking to serve in a public policy position consider participating in the Academy. The Instructors are extremely qualified, well prepared and keep the students engaged in each class. This program provided a broad range of topics from ethics, regional issues, public education, governing, budgets and other meaningful subjects. I understand tough decisions are necessary and those decisions are not always popular but we need and should expect our elected officials and those making public policy to make those tough decisions. I have also learned that what might be an easy fix could have dire consequences. I would like to thank Michael Turnipseed, the instructors, sponsors and my fellow classmates for a wonderful nine weeks. The knowledge, friendships and contacts I have made over the course of this program are invaluable and I strongly urge anyone who is interested in serving the public begin with attending this Academy.
— Deborah Hess, 2010
 Kern Leaders Academy was an incredible opportunity for growth in my young career. From the first class meeting I was engaged with every topic, speaker and every new lesson about how Kern County works and what it takes to support and strengthen our community. Classes were thought-provoking, interactive and sometimes even emotional as we examined the make-up of where we live. The local leaders and educators who offered their priceless knowledge and experience to our class truly stirred me and I carry their words about ethics and civic duty with me each day in my work, community involvement and personal life. Thanks to KLA, I am motivated and equipped to apply my knowledge of policy, education and community service in a way that positively affects Kern County.
— Patricia Marquez, 2010
 I highly recommend the Kern Leaders Academy. The program was extremely informative and the faculty is outstanding. There is no better place I know of in our community to get such an in-depth overview of issues facing our region. Whether you decide to run for office or not, this program will give you the information you need to run a better business in Kern County while being an advocate for our community.
— Jarrod McNaughton, 2010
 What a mind opening experience! Kern Leaders Academy provided the faculty and current issues to open my mind to thinking beyond my individual world. The faculty presented current issues, diverse solutions and open discussions that challenged me to think and rethink the possibilities. Adding the scenario with the faculty along with the diverse group of fellow class members, the learning, interaction and relationship building is unmatched. I highly recommend this experience to up coming community leaders as well as those who want to become involved with our community.
— Patty Poire, 2010
 Participating in the Kern Leaders Academy was a tremendously valuable experience. The faculty and my fellow classmates taught me a great deal about our community and effective leadership. KLA focuses not only on the substantive issues of importance to our region, but also on the political process and teaches participants how to effectively approach policy issues, including consideration of conflicting viewpoints. The experience and contacts gained through KLA are invaluable. I would highly recommend KLA to anyone that is interested in furthering their understanding and engagement in the local community and political process.
— Melissa Poole, 2010
 Thank You Kern Leaders Academy - The educational learning experience at KLA has provided me with invaluable tools and insights into the broad spectrum of the critically important matter of governance. This unique experience is already paying dividends in my professional life, and has afforded me a practical knowledge with seeds of wisdom that will benefit in harvests for years to come. I am also very thankful for the new relationships and friends I now have as a result of the interactions and high quality discussions which are a part of KLA tradition.
From the discussions on practical ethics, to the importance of being knowledgeable, properly informed and connected to the community, or the inner workings of local government finance, quality education or healthcare, all these discussions and more were like fuel to an already burning fire and have strengthened my interest and commitment to be involved in the continuing process to improve our communities by improving the quality of leadership at every level of our society and at every opportunity afforded me.
— Glenn Rodgers, 2010
 "The Kern Leaders Academy provided me with the opportunity to interact amongst a diverse group of up and coming community leaders to discuss and study many of the issues affecting Kern County. The Kern Leaders Academy featured presenters from many areas including business, education, ethics, government, and water who are at the forefront of their respective fields to challenge class members to dig beyond the surface of complex issues and develop the necessary skills to suggest complete, comprehensive, and common sense solutions to the problems we face today."
— Romeo Agbalog, 2009
 "Well honestly I really don't know where to start. I came into Kern Leaders Academy with no expectations, actually feeling overwhelmed due to all of the other projects that were going on. But, during the course of the academy I became a committed servant(politician) to the people of this great community. We gained knowledge and insight into some of the toughest issues that are faced in our county. Our instructors provided us with unbiased outlooks on the issues that we face. As I reflect on the chronological order that each instructor was presented to us, the Academy staff was right on point. I believe that I walked into Kern Leaders Academy as someone concerned about the community, but I completed the academy with the confidence of knowing that if I don't have the answers, I know where they can be found. Also, I left with an understanding that taxpayers want their elected representatives to make the tough decisions. I appreciate that Mike Turnipseed and the entire Kern Leaders Academy faculty believed in a young man with a heart and for giving me the opportunity to grow. It takes a village to raise a child and thanks to the Kern Leaders Academy in helping to raise me!"
— Sean Battle, 2009
 "The Kern Leaders Academy was a whirlwind nine-week experience designed to challenge its participants to learn more about current issues affecting the region prior to seeking a term of public service. The quality of speakers was unsurpassed as we were led through all manner of regulatory and political issues affecting us at the local, state and national level. Aside from the relationships established through 72 hours of discussion with my fellow classmates, I derived the greatest value from the exposure to regulatory challenges beyond the realm of home construction and land development. I highly recommend the Kern Leaders Academy as a prerequisite for anyone pursuing a future in public life."
— Bob Decker, 2009
 “As a member of the first Kern Leaders Academy, I am pleased to report that the classes were engaging, informative, insightful and worth the time to participate. The program will impact the way I think, the questions I ask, and the conclusions I draw for years to come. Thanks to all who supported the program. The effort will have far-reaching impacts .I believe the Academy is a must for everyone seeking office. One of this year’s presenters, Ira Reiner, told us that people get into politics for one of two reasons: to BE BIG or to do BIG THINGS. The members of our class want to do BIG things, IMPORTANT things, the RIGHT things. I believe that “education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”. The Kern Leaders Academy delivered not only the ignition to start the fire, but the fuel to sustain it.”
— Mary Beth Garrison, 2009
 "Kern Leaders Academy provides excellent preparation for those who hold, or who might seek, decision-making public policy positions in Kern County. The course content is comprehensive, covering the many critical and complex issues facing local government in Kern County. In addition, the course covers ethical issues and the fundamentals of political campaigns. The course faculty is very well qualified and is consistently prepared, and it succeeds in engaging the students in discussion. As a result, both the faculty and my fellow students were great teachers for me. I learned a great deal at Kern Leaders Academy, including how much more there is to learn in the area covered by each class. Without reservation, I would recommend Kern Leaders Academy to anyone who is engaged in, or who might aspire to, political leadership in Kern County."
— Harley F. Pinson, 2009
 "As a veterinarian in private practice for the last 28 year, I applied to the Kern Leaders Academy to find out how our government works. What I got was a great insight into the problems and challenges facing our state and local government. The issues are varied and far reaching. Faculty members were actually people in government and involved in public sector issues. For example, the current interruption of water deliveries from the Delta to the Central Valley is an acute state and local problem with many political forces at work. 76 percent of the water entering the Delta flows out to the ocean and only 18 percent is diverted into the Central Valley to keep farmland productive and our California economy strong. Surely, a diversion of less than 20 percent is sustainable, but environmentalists disagree and this juxtaposition of opinions puts our entire state economy at risk. Kern Leaders Academy outlined the different agencies involved and how we personally could pursue these issues. The faculty was well-prepared and informative. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in public service."
— Tom Willis, DMV, 2009
 "Personally, I applied to the Kern Leaders Academy to further my own understanding about the “in and outs” of government and the political process in Bakersfield and Kern County in order to become an informed citizen about the issues facing our community. After the nine weeks, I acquired a foundation that far exceeded my expectations. Kern Leaders Academy sharpened my political and intellectual skill set. I now possess the confidence to think critically, resist political cowardice and conformity and step up to serve in the community whether I am an elected official or not. I would highly recommend this fantastic study in governance to those in Kern County that have political ambition or currently serving in an elected capacity. After KLA’s completion, I guarantee that you will emerge a different human being."
— Keith Wolaridge, 2009
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