College of DuPage trustee candidates talk about issues
Three candidates are vying for a 2-year term on the College of DuPage Board of Trustees in the April 7 election: incumbent Mark Nowak and challengers Sandy Kim and Jeffrey Handel. The Daily Herald asked them questions about themselves and issues facing the college. Only Kim and Handel responded and these are some of their edited responses.
Q. What is your No. 1 campaign issue?
Handel: Worker morale. The administration and board of trustees is responsible for all of the employees. Morale of the work force is therefore part of the administration's function. Over the last 10 years the average worker's morale has never been lower since the college began. To fix this problem, first the administration must change their methodology of workmanship. They must no longer think singularly of themselves first. They must, at the very least, develop a three-dimensional picture, one dimension is not administration. Then the board must also change the way it's acting and become more analytical in its decision process. It must strive always to think in four dimensions. With an efficient administration having the ability to bring forth all of the information and give the pros and cons using their experience. Complex decisions should be made with all the facets accounted, as well as contingencies.
Kim: Affordability. Students will see a marked increase in tuition for the next term. The board must work with the college community and elected officials to seek out new and innovative ways to lower the cost for students.
Q. What is the greatest challenge faced by your district?
Handel: Money. As far back as 1976 this state has reduced its spending on all education. What has happened is that the people have allowed this hypocrisy to continue. The hypocrisy is that all politicians are for education, but they still reduce the funding. A hypocrisy stated often soon becomes truth. There needs to be a revolt of some sort, such as the students of all the Illinois colleges bring these facts forward and embarrass their parents.
Kim: The current state of the economy and its implications for the future of this district is the biggest challenge facing us all. It will require a vigilant, proactive board of trustees that will work with college administrators and community partners to ensure that the college is prepared to meet the needs of the changing demographic in this troubled economic climate. The areas of work force development and retraining especially will need support to keep with the demands of this community.
The candidates
Jeffrey Handel
Age: 58
Hometown: West Chicago
Incumbent? No
Civic involvement: Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce, West Chicago Sister Cities, West Chicago Garden Club, Chicago Dental Society
Political experience: Carol Stream library board, 1981-1989; West Chicago Alderman, 1993-2005
Sandy Kim
Age: 28
Hometown: West Chicago
Incumbent? No
Civic involvement: None
Political experience: None
Web site: electsandykim.org
Mark Nowak
Age: 36
Hometown: Addison
Incumbent? Yes
Civic involvement: None
Political experience: College of DuPage Trustee and Addison Township Trustee, 2008 to present