Who Represents the Community and District Students?

The methods used to select the administrators at Orange Coast, Golden West and Coastline colleges are questionable. The community has a right to know that the $85-million budget is managed for the benefit of the students, the instructors and the community, not the union.

It is hoped that the elected officials have paid off their obligation to the unions and will represent all parties.

I have been a strong supporter of Coast Community College District, and especially Orange Coast College. I have served on several committees at Orange Coast and, as a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, have worked closely with the college presidents and the Board of Trustees.

Now, I am one of the concerned citizens who question the present administration and the Board of Trustees. It seems that the board is greatly influenced by the demands of the union. It is my opinion that the board must represent the students, the instructors and the community. I have been informed that 40% of the instructors are not members of the union. Who represents them?

It is not my intention to assist in the selection of the administrators of the colleges or the district. Rather, I am concerned that those selections be made ethically and legally, as required by the state Board of Community Colleges.

I have been informed that the unions have a substantial fund allocated to elect two new board members, who will be obligated to them. They will support the present members of the board, who apparently make their decisions to please the unions.

The unions have a legal right to represent their members. My concern is who represents the community and the students?

The citizens of the district must be kept informed of actions by the Board of Trustees. We must continue to maintain a standing community college district with a board of qualified trustees capable of managing a community college for the benefit of the community.

KENNETH W. FOWLER

Costa Mesa