BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- KGET sent candidates running for seats on the Kern High School District a questionnaire hoping to get answers to some basic questions — an introduction to voters in their districts. We asked each candidate several questions: Name Age Hometown; City you reside in Tell us about your family. Give us a brief educational history Party registration; How long have you been registered with that party? Give us a brief career history Why are you running for this office? How long have you lived in the district? Describe your political philosophy Below are responses from the candidates running for seats on the Kern High School District Board of Trustees. Kern High School District Board of Trustees - Area 2 Ronnie Cruz Ronnie Cruz did not directly answer the questionnaire but provided a document with a statement explaining his positions. You can download and read it here. Manuel Ramirez Age: 31 Hometown, place of residence: Born and raised in Southeast Bakersfield’s historic MLK community, and currently resides in central Bakersfield. Family: Single Educational history: West High School graduate, briefly attended Bakersfield College Career history: "I have worked off and on since 2011 in violence prevention and intervention and reentry working both with at-risk high school and junior high school students as well as young adults returning home from incarceration. I currently manage a program providing training opportunities to our local farm workers and exposing them to higher paying careers." Party registration: "Although it is a non-partisan position, I am a registered Democrat and have been for the last 3.5 years. After witnessing the attack on democracy on January 6th, 2021 I switched parties." Length of residence in the district: "My whole life with an exception during high school when my family briefly resided in Southwest Bakersfield." Why are you running for this office?: "After working with at-risk students on all three campuses in the district as well as students who reside within the district boundaries and meeting with families who lost students to fentanyl overdose and community violence, I am running for this office to continue prioritizing student success, ensure safe learning environments not just physical safety but mentally as well, continue expanding workforce development and expanding our relationships with institutions of higher learning. I am running to be a bridge between the board and the community, to foster relationships with community based organizations to support our teachers, administrators and parents." Political philosophy: "I used to consider my philosophy as moderate left of center but the last few years I have embraced a progressive philosophy. My political philosophy is one of service to community. I believe we should do the most good for the most people we can. I believe in a political philosophy that believes in and protects a person’s individual freedoms, from freedom to love who they choose, a woman’s right to reproductive freedom, and protecting a student’s right to privacy." Steve Rodrigue Steve Rodrigue is the incumbent member of the Board of Trustees for Area 2. Age: 49 Hometown, place of residence: East Bakersfield Family: Wife Vicki and four children -- a 23-year-old son, three daughters ages 21, 18, 14. Educational history: Associate degree from Bakersfield College, multiple military schools Career history: "Twenty-three years in U.S. Coast Guard enlisted and officer corps retired as Lieutenant Commander. Eighteen years with city of Bakersfield, currently a supervisor code enforcement officer." History of elected service: KHSD Area 2 trustee Military service: Twenty-three years in U.S. Coast Guard active duty and reserves, two tours in the middle east in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Length of residence in the district: Eighteen years Why you are running for this office?: "I have spent my entire adult life in public service. Following my retirement from the military I was looking for way to give back to the community on a local level. I became more involved in coaching youth sports and obtained several national coaching licenses. As the high schools began reopening following the COVID-19 shutdown I was given the amazing opportunity to coach high school sports. I saw firsthand the social, emotional and academic affects isolation caused and it affected me profoundly. I coached for three seasons in East Bakersfield mentoring and supporting students. Two years ago, I was chosen to take on the role of Area 2 Trustee. I know this experience is the single most important role I have taken on in my professional life. That is obviously a very bold statement considering my entire life has been in public/military service including two tours in the Middle East. I have found a way to positively impact a much greater audience. I went from one sport at one school to over 43,000 students at the Kern High School District. I believe in creating a culture that can challenge our academically gifted as well as those gifted in working with their hands. This is accomplished by partnering with parents, members of the community and local businesses to ensure the unique needs of all students are met. Having spent my entire adult life in law enforcement my concern for students’ safety is always at the forefront of my mind. We will continue to make technological security enhancements while proving support to enhance and expand existing programs. Finally, my military headquarters staff experience provides the necessary fiscal acumen to provide community oversight of budget and upcoming bond expenditures. Political philosophy: "This is a nonpartisan role all decisions should be based on the impact to students." Additional comments: "My service to the Kern High School District is not driven by a political agenda. It is rooted in my experience as a public servant, community leader, coach and parent of four children educated in Kern high schools." Otilia Curiel 17 News reached out to Curiel's campaign for responses to this questionnaire, but they have not responded. Kern High School District Board of Trustees - Area 3 David Manriquez Steve Rodrigue is the incumbent member of the Board of Trustees for Area 3. Age: 61 Hometown, place of residence: Lamont Family: Married, daughters, son, eight grandkids Educational history: Porterville Jr. College, Sacramento St College, and CSU Bakersfield Career history: "Kern High School District and Bakersfield City School District starting my 38th year." History of elected service: "Twelve years Lamont School District board member and three years and 10 months as Trustee of the Kern High School District for Area 3." Party registration: "Democrat and registered for over 35 years." Length of residence in the district: "55+ years." Why are you running for this office?: "I am committed to ensure all students have a safe learning environment at all our school sites. Working together to help reduce chronic absenteeism. Help bring communities and schools together. Providing social and emotional resources for students." Political philosophy: "As a Trustee/Board Member we must follow the law. Our seat is and mustremain nonpartisan. We are here to serve every student in our district." Penny Lespito 17 News reached out to Lespito's campaign for responses to this questionnaire, but she nor her campaign have responded.