ECC trustee all about the attention

Candidates' statements in the Daily Herald are interesting. What a candidate believes about himself or herself is not necessarily the truth.

Understandably, reporters do not always have time to verify information. This point became clear to me in your article, "ECC board candidates discuss college's future," in Bob Getz statement, "I've been fighting for that (four year degree in nursing and technical areas) for the 12 years I've been on the board." Fact: Mr. Getz proposed a three year baccalaureate degree, eliminating academic subjects. His proposal then was much different from what is currently under discussion. As a volunteer member of the ICCTA baccalaureate study committee, Mr. Getz knows that.

Feelings are not facts. What about information that is omitted? Fact: As an incumbent, during his 12 years as a trustee Bob Getz has never been elected to any leadership position on the board. In 12 years he has not made one significant motion approved by the board. He is one of seven board members plus a student member. It takes four votes to approve a motion.

What has Mr. Getz done? He has on several occasions tried and failed to be a whistle blower accusing the board of violating the Open Meetings Act. Fact: All are unfounded. Members of the board have attended training on the Open Meetings Act, the chair consults with an attorney, if need be, to assure the OMA is upheld. Mr. Getz knows this. He continues to bring attention to himself, attempts to embarrass the college and costs the college taxpayers dollars to legally respond to his unfounded allegations. How does his conduct serve the college's future for the students and the community?

Ellie MacKinney

Hampshire

ECC Trustee