As a political scientist, elections have always been fascinating to me. I grew up with politics at the dinner table and my family took me to rallies to protest nuclear power in Germany as a baby. So, every four years, I watch the Iowa Caucus, the first in the nation to select their choice for president, with fascination. Ignoring the GOP candidates for a moment, although several of them have jumped off the clown car since my last column, the Democratic primary has been very exciting. Whether you “Feel the Bern” or are “Ready for Her,” we must agree that this campaign on the Democratic side has been good for our party and for the eventual nominee.
I always felt that competitive elections made better candidates and elected officials. A challenge from within allows us as a party, and yes, country, to discuss important issues and that might otherwise not have been the case. From climate change, to student debt and cost of higher education, the next President will have to continue to address important issues to continue to move this country in the right direction.
I know from personal experience running for Community College Board this past year that Wendy Aragon and Tom Temprano brought important perspectives and issues to the race. Hearing from them, voters, and students not only made me a more informed candidate and trustee, but it also provided all of us a forum to raise awareness about what is going on at City College and the importance this critical institution plays in our city for immigrants, the middle class, lifelong learners, and so many others. I am very proud of the positive race all of us ran, and am excited that both of them continue to be involved in fighting for City College.
In January I had the chance to represent City College as a new trustee at the Community College League of California’s (CCLC) annual Legislative Conference in Sacramento. I was very excited to see what other Community Colleges are up to throughout the state, and how concerned everyone was about City College. Our accreditation crisis was a strong wake-up call to other Districts, and serves as a good catalyst for long overdue reform concerning how we accredit public higher education institutions in California. Other states seem to be able to combine academic accountability and high educational standards with training, collaboration, and partnerships. After talking to chancellors and trustees from other parts of the state, I feel very optimistic about where we are heading.
Finally, I am very excited about California College Promise, a new initiative that was launched at the conference that follows President Obama’s national efforts to make Community College free. Several people have questioned why college should be free. First, community college used to be free up until the 80s in California. Second, in the 21st century, a high school diploma is just not enough anymore to lead Americans to a good paying job and a successful life. A community college student can save an average of $3,800 in tuition and fees.
Americans now owe nearly $1.2 trillion in student loans! That is up from $240 million in 2004. Something needs to be done to address this growing problem. More information here: http://calcollegepromise.org/
Alex Randolph is a trustee for City College of San Francisco. He previously served in President Obama’s administration and as an LGBT advisor for Mayor Newsom. He lives in the Castro with his partner Trevor. Follow him on social media: www.twitter.com/adrandolph & www.facebook.com/AlexDRandolph
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