Endorsements: DiLeonardi, Tennes, Meccia for OCC board

Oakton Community College finds itself on the cutting edge of the health care debate. Hours that adjunct professors now work may need to be cut to preserve their part-time status and avoid the cost of paying health benefits. But how does one balance a responsibility to taxpayers to keep costs low with being fair to teachers who were simply doing the job asked of them? Add to that the ongoing challenges facing community colleges, such as getting sometimes-unprepared high school students college ready and partnering with businesses and industry to provide a practical path to the modern workplace. To find that balance after the April 9 election, incumbents Joan DiLeonardi and Ann Tennes demonstrate excellent knowledge of the college’s initiatives and clearly have the experience to continue addressing these issues on the board. They are endorsed. For the third seat, incumbent Eric Staley could not find the time to answer our questions, and we are concerned about his ability to fully participate on the board, but newcomer Neil Meccia brings experience both through teaching and from a career in the Army. He demonstrates thoughtful and reasonable approaches to issues and offers the promise of working cooperatively with others on the board. He is endorsed.