The job of a trustee is to conduct oversight, not act as a rubber stamp. Our loyalty should be to the mission of our college and the community we serve. A community college encompasses students, staff, faculty, and the larger community: Trustees should regularly listen to all those constituency groups firsthand, rather than allow these voices to be filtered through the chancellor or other executives. It's too easy for top administrators to control and shape the flow of information to the board, resulting in a clear disconnect between trustees and other stakeholders.

Unrestricted communication and open inquiry is essential to bridging that gap, as well as to the mission of the college itself: the education of our students. Intellectual development and problem-solving occur best within a culture which welcomes free speech; creative thinking withers in an echo chamber.  Truly open discussions put participants’ otherwise hidden thoughts and opinions to the test.  We might change someone else’s mind on a contentious issue and/or modify our own views.  We might also practice the art of politely agreeing to disagree -- a valuable skill for us all.

Along with free speech should come active listening. I will hold “office hours,” if I’m elected, to hear first-hand from employees, students and community members who have a stake in issues before the board. I’ll also research issues carefully, provide even-handed analysis, and do my best to be fair and thorough.  I will always evaluate expenditures and programs in terms of our colleges’ primary mission: teaching students and preparing them either to transfer or enter this very tight job market. 

I will provide an independent voice on the board -- a voice for transparent, ethical stewardship.