More Endorsements in the McHenry County College Election

The Illinois Federation of Teachers affiliated at McHenry County College.

The Illinois Federation of Teachers affiliated at McHenry County College.

Yes, the election is over, but some might be interested the candidates whom the MCC Staff Council AFT/IFT Local 1642 endorsed in last April’s election.

You can read the endorsements below:

3 Seats On The MCC Board Are Up For Election

Local elections will be taking place on April 9, 2013. The MCC Staff Council is recommending the following three candidates: Mike Smith, Molly Walsh, and Arne Waltmire. We feel these three candidates would best represent both the staff of MCC and the community in general.
Mike Smith

Mike is a 25-year county resident. He has served on MCC’s Foundation Board for four years and is currently serving as President. Smith has a genuine interest in serving the college in this new capacity. Asked about the biggest challenges facing MCC, Smith stressed funding and the eroding of state assistance as the biggest. He expressed his desire for the college to be financially self-sustaining and wants to see restoration of the community’s trust. He also stated he would want any decision on expansion funding to go to the voters. When asked about his views on unions, Mike admitted a lack of practical experience, but added he believes in the fundamental concept and that all stakeholders can and should work together. Mr. Smith views education as imperative to anyone’s success and believes knowledge is one’s most valuable possession. As a trustee, Smith promises governing without ego and prudent financial oversight. For more information, visit mikesmithmcctrustee.com.

Molly Walsh

Retiring in 2008 after 22 years of employment at MCC, Molly Walsh is eager to serve both the college and community in another capacity. She is passionate about community colleges believing them to be a vital community resource. Regarding MCC, Walsh is concerned with fiscal responsibility and feels a decision on funding for expansion should be taken to the taxpayers. Molly has seen erosion in the college’s connection to the community and wants to see that improve. Molly feels MCC’s priority should be learning, but the public perception is the college is only focused on brick and mortar. Molly worked at MCC when staff council organized and was a member until she retired. With the same goals in mind, Molly believes staff and the administration/board do not have to be adversaries, but should work together. She supports shared governance. Molly brings an advantage of history and understanding of MCC’s culture. She hopes to be able to tell MCC’s story in a better light and see continued success. For more information, visit votemollywalsh.com.

Arne Waltmire

Arne Waltmire is a long-time district resident and a 28-year educator. Waltmire believes he can provide a balanced perspective against the continued attacks on education. Arne views education as a path to a good paying job and wants MCC to meet the needs of area employers. Having first joined the teamsters at age 18, Waltmire has served in many capacities with the Teamsters, IFT/AFT, and most currently, serves as a regional IEA chair. Arne sees balancing a top-level education with the cost as one of MCC’s biggest challenges. He also feels strongly that salaries should be a priority in the college’s budget in order to attract and retain quality faculty and staff. Arne stated he knows what area employers want, and he knows education, giving him a balanced approach. He also points out he would be the only active teacher on the board. Arne is passionate about serving and will be actively campaigning to win a seat on MCC’s Board of Trustees. For more information, visit arnewaltmire.com.

I urge everyone to do their due diligence and get out and vote on April 9th.

Tawnja Trimble

 


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *