During the past two years, many controversial decisions have been made by the Yuba Community College District Administration and/or the Board of Trustees. These decisions have brought about many public disagreements and discussions from the students, the staff, and the faculty, as well as many members of the public.
Perhaps as a direct result of these disagreements and discussions, this year’s election brings thirteen candidates into the field for the three open positions of the current Board members who chose to not run for reelection.
In spite of this apparent interest in the future of the college and the “good talk” that is coming from the candidates, we are concerned that it is “all talk.”
Why?
On October 13th, the Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting at the Linda campus. Three of the Board candidates were present for that meeting. Ernest Garcia was there from District 2. The other two, Stephen Spenser and Francisco Reveles, are competing for the same seat in District 1.
Where were the other ten candidates that evening?
The failure of these candidates to attend the one and only monthly meeting of the Board, in the final month before the election on November 2nd, causes¬¬¬¬ us to doubt their sincerity and their level of commitment to the District and its community.
I consider this one of the most important elections to take place in many years, for the future of Yuba College. The three retiring board members had over fifty years of combined service. At that rate, we need those who are elected this year to be completely committed to our school district and its future.
“We have many good candidates for the three open seats on the Board,” said Chancellor Harrington. “I am very pleased that so many have chosen to be involved in the process.” I agree with the Chancellor on both counts.
However, I would be remiss if I did not say that I do not understand why a candidate for a Board of Trustees would fail to attend the last meeting of that Board before the election date that will determine who takes each of the open seats on the Board.
Words don’t mean a thing if they are not backed up with actions. When the District says that they “put the students first”, our perception is that we cannot believe them.
Therefore, we need Board members who will “walk the talk.”
During recent weeks, The Prospector staff members have talked with the various candidates to present some information in our most recent print edition and to provide additional information on our website. This will be available online very soon.
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