Events Today at Metropolitan Community College

Another busy day for a MCC trustee. I have already been to the administrative center this morning for a LGBTQ+ affinity meeting and this evening I will be joining Trustee Martin, the Chancellor and many of our wonderful retirees in attending the Retiree Tea at the Longview campus. More about both events tomorrow. Unfortunately, I was unable to fit in either of the campus tours that are happening this afternoon at Blue River or Maple Woods into today's schedule.

Providing Fiscal Responsibility as a Trustee

One manner of fiscal responsibility comes from researching the bids made for MCC projects. As a Metropolitan Community College Trustee, I believe that using local businesses for our projects at MCC is more fiscally responsible. Whenever practical, Missouri tax dollars should support Missouri businesses. Taking money from hard working Missourians only to give it to out of state businesses does not support the long-term economic health of the state. In addition, it is important to ensure that the bidding process is open, fair, and includes minority and women owned business. Sometimes, no Missouri company can provide the goods or services the college requires, but as much as possible I am committed to supporting minority owned businesses, women owned businesses, and Missouri owned businesses. So, as a trustee, I must try to balance efficient use of taxpayer dollars while promoting the values of our community.

 

   Why Career and Technical Education is So Important to Me

 

My technical skills gave me a lifeline out of rural poverty. As a result of this experience, I know that it can do the same thing for others not just in rural settings but urban areas as well. It is why I have fought so hard to have the Business and Technology campus moved from its current location. By bringing the manufacturing programs back to the city core on major bus routes, we can make these programs more accessible to all of Kansas City.

Non-traditional students are important to me

Let me tell you why. Because I too was a non-traditional student. I went to work all day and took classes at night. I often worked 40 plus hours a week and usually only managed to take one class a semester. I even had to drop some of these classes due to work shift changes or other life challenges. I often had to race from work to school thus missing meals. Non-class evenings and weekends were dedicated to studying. Such is the life of many non-traditional students. This is why as a Metropolitan Community College trustee I am always aware we must do more for non-traditional students. I am working hard to make sure MCC offers the services they need.