Questioning Authority - It's My Turn - Again!
Community College District Trustees in the Tank

by Jack Hickey

As a parent of teenagers who "questioned authority" in the sixties and seventies, I am painfully aware of the position faced by today's "authority figures" who hold positions of public trust.  Holding the strings to the public purse presents an awesome challenge.   The urge to dig ever deeper into taxpayers pockets is irresistible to some.   And in light of the activities of District Trustees, I feel that I must assert my authority once again, to challenge the abuse of theirs.

This all began a few months ago when I received a call from Tom Constantino, Trustee on the Board of the San Mateo County Community College District.  I know Tom from his days on the staff of former Congressman Bill Royer.   Tom was seeking my support of a bond measure the District was considering.  Events that followed lead me to believe it was a "done deal" long before my support was solicited.

Let the questioning begin!

Is the State Funding from Prop 1a figured in District Projections? 

Why did the District contract with The Resource Group for a $65,000 community needs assessment in 1996?

Why did the District contract with Godbe and Associates for a $25,000 Survey of Voters in 1998?

Why did the District contract with Bay Relations for $250,000 in Consulting and Marketing Services in 1999?

Why does SMCCCD claim the PR mailing list is proprietary!

For some discussion of these and other questions, see: Legitimate PR or Felonious Political Advocacy?

See the excellent article on these issues published by the Independent Newspaper Group

SMCProperty Tax History
(information provided by V. Singh in the SMC Controllers Office)

Work in Process