Editorial
The chamber of commerce held an impromptu? NIC trustee candidate forum. Half of the candidates didn’t leave their basements, or, at least, didn’t show up. This may work in their favor.
Candidates focused on the dysfunctional board and placed blame solely on [Banducci and McKenzie] while forgoing tarnishing trustee emeritus Christie Wood. They were asked how they will work with the current president of the college but not the sitting board members, who happen to be the only elected trustees. Tarie Zimmerman, Brad Corkill, and Pete Broschet coalesced around a central theme that the board must change.
Zimmerman mentioned that no board should undermine or work against the president and he will take the college in the direction he wants. She also stated that declining enrollment is due to “bad board governance.”
Brad Corkill, whose background is in lumber and owns a mill, wants to see the college in a healthier place in five years. He also hopes to see a dental hygiene program come to fruition. Insert face-slap emoji. NIC’s first class of dental hygiene students will graduate in a few months, two years after the official start of the program. Mr. Corkill later said that he approves of the school’s curriculum and policies. Not impressive.
Pete Broschet seemed to read several responses from previously prepared notes. However, he seemed to understand the issues. Fortunately, or unfortunately, he has a record on which to run. Based on my initial exposure to the three candidates tonight Broschet is the only one we would consider endorsing.
We reached out to the KCRCC to learn about why their endorsed candidates did not attend. Perhaps they followed Mark Twain’s advice, “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt.” Unfortunately the other candidates were not so lucky; however, they get credit for showing up.
Chamber of Commerce NIC Trustee Forum Winners: The moderator and maybe the absentees