Election grants students voice
Collegian Opinion

    The most important part of living in a democratic society is taking responsibility and voting.

   Without active participation, the few who vote can shape the laws for the many who do not. For example, TCC board of trustee elections usually have very low voter turnouts. It seems odd that a taxing entity, such as TCC, draws so little attention from the public.

   The quality and price of education is always an important issue, and is even more so with an uncertain economy and the ever-changing times.

   We constantly see the enormous difference between celebrities’ salaries as opposed to teachers’ salaries, and we often complain and ask why.

   Rather than hopelessly asking that question, one should ask what can be done about the disparity in pay of some of our most important careers. Obviously, one way is voting on the decision makers who control those salaries.

   The old saying applies that if you do not vote, you cannot complain. It is amazing that so many countries have fought for the right to choose their leaders, and we who have never lived without that right take it for granted.

   Voter apathy is as evil as living under a cruel regime. What does it say about a society that has a choice, but refuses to exercise its rights because of inconvenience?

   The best way to combat this problem is to vote and make your voice heard. We should value the education our children receive and be active in the decision process.

   Having said all that, the board of trustee elections is Saturday, May 4, and participation should be a must.

   Three district seats are up in the May 4 election. In District 1, current board member Robyn Winnett is running unopposed. An election will not be held for that unopposed position, which will save the college money, but does it really afford voters a choice?

   In the race for District 2, current board member and board president, J. Ardis Bell, is running against Nicholas Nance. Bell has been board president since 1976. Nance is a current TCC student majoring in liberal arts.

   The District 3 race also includes two contestants: Jose Gonzales and Kristin Vandergriff. Gonzales has ties to social work, and Vandergriff has volunteered for many causes in the Arlington area.

   These are the choices for voters.

   This election is what a democracy is all about—people having a choice about who will guide the college and prepare for future generations and problems.

   The victors of these elections need to focus on the important issues and help continue the growth of the district.

   The board of trustees has many important decisions to make for the next generation of college-bound students. After the presidential elections of 2000, it should be quite obvious that every vote does make a difference.

   A six-year-term is a long time, so it is very important to make the best choice for the college. Our teachers deserve the best and so do our current students and their children.

   The Collegian cannot make any formal recommendations except one—get out and vote.