A lot of people have been asking me about the
CWI elections including my race and the CWI Bond Election. Before I comment,
here is some background.
At CWI’s inception in 2007,
Boise was the last metropolitan area in the country lacking a community
college.
According to the publication “Inside Higher Ed,” in 2007,
“J.
A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation led an effort called “Community College Now!” an awareness campaign. At the same time, leaders in the Treasure Valley including prominent businesses
such as Micron Technology Inc. and the Chamber of Commerce’s, began a campaign that raised more
than $300,000 for voter registration, mailings and advertisements in various
media.
Proponents of the new district knew what they
were up against: a state with a significant aversion to additional taxes. But
the campaign emphasized the proposed college's benefits to the local economy,
as well as the educational opportunities it would open up to new high school
graduates, people switching to a second career and adult learners.”
On May 22, 2007, a Supermajority of Ada and Canyon County voters passed
referendum to establish a community college district, enabling the creation of
the College of Western Idaho (CWI).
On July 17, 2007 the first Board of Trustees for CWI appointed. I was one of the
founding members. This will be my third term.
On July 30, 2007, first Board of Trustees meeting held.
CWI acquired the programs, personnel, and property of the
recently defunct Boise State’s Selland College. Essentially we
had one building in Nampa and one vacant building with a hundred acres. We didn't even have a phone.
Nevertheless, we had huge dreams and
expectations! In those nine years, CWI has become the hallmark of
community college innovation, serving more than 20,000 students every year
and helping business and industry to succeed.
From vague promise 9 years ago, today we have:
- 20,000+ students served each year
- 91% positive placement in professional-technical programs
- 13.9% return on taxpayer investment
- 5,000+ students have earned degrees and certificates
- 400+ business and industry partners
- 28% decrease in student borrowing
In our nine years of history, we have
never asked the voters for help until this summer and fall.
The Board of Trustees
voted in favor of placing a $180 million general obligation bond on the
November 2016 ballot. The bond would fund campus development in Boise and Nampa
to expand program offerings and serve more students.
CWI has grown from 1,200
students in its first semester in 2009 to serving more than 20,000 students a
year with projections for continued growth in the years ahead.
Again, this is the first
time Ada and Canyon County voters have been approached for a bond since the
College was founded.
This this lengthy contextual background, these
are my thoughts my race and the CWI Bond Election held yesterday.
My race was NOT a tough race because I was unopposed!
Nevertheless, here are my vote totals:
- Ada County: 123,426 votes
- Canyon County: 53,056 votes
· Therefore, I
received 176,482 votes. I am humbled to
serve another term.
On the CWI Bond
Election, the voters supported the bond by 57%.
However, Idaho law requires a 2/3rd majority to pass this bond.
- In Ada County, the Bond got 58.6%.
- In Canyon County, the Bond got 51%.
In the scheme of
things in a historic yet weird election with huge voter turnout and angst, getting 57%
is OK. Arm-chair quarterbacking will ensue right away.
9 years ago there was an enormous effort with a $300,000 spent. It was also not a general election. The campaign won. And the whole region saw the benefits. CWI became this innovative successful institution.
9 years later, we had a low-key
campaign. We did not use any CWI dollars. CWI cannot spend money for advocacy.
Therefore, a small group of committed CWI supporters led this effort using no
college funds. Rather, we utilized “free” outlets like Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn, CWI Foundation members, and community presentations to spread the
word.
As a result, with
57%, I am heartened by the confidence shown by the voters.
I want to thank
those who supported us not only with this measure but in the past and in the
future.
Simply stated, the
need for skilled/ready workforce does not go away. We must work to meet those needs as stated by
local business and industry.
The Board of
Trustees and the senior administration of the College will evaluate potential
courses of action in the future.
Thank you for the
support!
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