William M. Griffin: 2023 candidate for College of Lake County board
Bio
Town: Lake Forest
Age on Election Day: 70
Occupation: College Professor
Employer: Triton College
Previous offices held: Trustee College of Lake County
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A: I have been asked by citizens throughout Lake County to run for election to the College of Lake County Board of Trustee because of my previous demonstrated leadership style having lead the college during early phases of the COVID Pandemic and other challenging times during the last 25 years. On any issue that comes before the board I ask myself two questions. 1. What is the right thing to do for our students? 2. Is it fair to the taxpayers?
Q: In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice results in an educational benefit?
A: As a college professor at Triton College I see in my classroom everyday students with limited incomes and challenges in their personal life's but many of them come from diverse backgrounds but are motivated to earn an quality education. The commitment the institution must make is to ensure that each student receives a quality education. It is important for boards to support strong and effective institutional leadership. Board members should serve as advocates for the value of public higher education. It is also important to encourage faculty to teach our students critical thinking skills to our students that educates them to all points of view and encourages the student to formulate their own opinions.
Q: How would you describe the state of your college's finances? What issues will your district have to confront in coming years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?
A: The state of the College of Lake County finances are excellent. Our 2023 Annual Budget Operating Funds Revenue is $117.6 million dollars. Through a balanced budget aligned to the 2024 Strategic Plan, CLC has demonstrated stewardship of public resources to uphold affordability for students and access to programs and has and will continue to be a valuable return on investment to our taxpayers. CLC's has a Aaa bond rating that demonstrates strong financial policy and strategic use of its resources. Lake County residents owning homes valued at $300,00 paid approximately $284 in property taxes to CLC in 2022. (Source CLC Community Impact Report). Having served for 25 years as a CLC Board of Trustee I have had direct involvement in these fiscal issues. For the future we will have limited resources that will require a balancing of student needs and fair use of taxpayer dollars.
Q: What are three specific non-financial challenges your community college will have to face in the next four years and what are your thoughts about how each should be addressed?
A: 1. Help create a an effective governing board that supports the President and conducts business in a collaborate manner that respects all points of view. I believe my past experience as a board member and an experience leader can lead to a more effective operating board.
2. In cooperation with senior administration, engage regularly with the institution's major constituencies. My experience working and participating with the College of Lake County Foundation will serve us well in establishing community and workforce partnerships that can create additional resources for the college.
3. Engage with legislators to advocate for the benefits offered by community colleges for students. Having worked with local, state, and national legislators I have created relationships with many of these elected officials that can serve to benefit the College of Lake County.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.
A: As a former business executive, Chair of the Triton College School of Business and having served as Chair of the College of Lake County Board of Trustees my experience spans many years. I am known and have been described as an effective leader that listens to all perspectives and points of view before making a decision. I am a collaborate leader that works well in group settings and encourages everyone to share their thoughts and ideas in a thoughtful and productive manner. The role of a Board of Trustee member is to charge the chief executive with the task of leading a strategic planning process, participate in that process, approve the strategic plan, and monitor its progress.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My past experience as a Board Member serving for 25 years and several times as Chair of the Board of Trustees. My lens perspective for this position gives me an unique position having served in various corporate business positions and now as a current college professor. I am an effective leader that knows how to accomplish goals and objectives in a nonpartisan manner.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: Encouraging more short term certificates that can lead to high paying jobs in one or two semesters. For example Supply Chain and Logistics Certificate, Social Media & Marketing Certificates, and Cannabis Business Certificates. A great amount of the future for community colleges will be in our ability to be nimble in creating short term certificates that can respond to the needs of the employer workforce.