(Photo by: Susan McSpadden)

In times such as these, the need for young adults to make their voices heard has become increasingly vital to the nation. There is a significant election taking place very close to home. Right here on JCCC’s campus, the Virginia Krebs Community Room in MTC is holding early casting votes to elect the JCCC Board of Trustees. All students must be aware of the importance of their voice.

JCCC has a group of individuals responsible for the management and control of the college. These individuals are trusted volunteers referred to as The Board of Trustees, and they hold a tremendous amount of power. Similarly, the power students hold is of no less importance.

Dan Owens, the economics professor at JCCC, says, “Getting involved will make a much bigger difference than you think… elected officials take care of the people who show up.” A message of guidance and wisdom.

The Board of Trustees is the invisible hand that guides the safety and success of all of its staff and students. Thanks to the efforts and decisions made by elected trustees, residents and other members, JCCC is one of the largest community colleges in the region, reflecting some of its main goals: affordability and flexibility for students looking to transfer or enter into the workforce.

Owens added, “Look around the world at what countries have their act together, and in those countries, people are voting… in the countries where people vote, life is better.”

The importance of voting is clear. These board members are leaders within the college and frequently set budgets and manage assets and resources–overall, their goal is to listen, learn and make level-headed decisions with students’ best interests in mind. Lee Cross, a board member up for re-election, shares his strong words with the student body regarding the importance of voting.

“Decisions are made by those who show up… if students want their voices heard, they have to show up,” Cross said.

You are free to vote this week until Nov. 4th. Make a lasting impact this week, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on the first floor of the MTC building.