Olathe, KS - James Nelson, a Republican from Olathe, candidate for Trustee at Johnson County Community College, expressed deep concern over a vote to raise tuition rates by the current Board of Trustees at their recent meeting. Nelson said the decision to raise costs on students and families in one of the worst economic climates in history demonstrates the lack of creativity and resolve by the board to live within the amount Johnson County taxpayers and state lawmakers provide.
“Since 2008, when the economy began its downturn, the JCCC Board of Trustees has voted multiple times to increase tuition. This shows a deep lack of concern for the quality of life in the community they serve,” Nelson said.
The cost of tuition at Johnson County Community College has risen from $65 per credit hour in 2008 to $81 per hour in 2011, an increase of 25% in just five years.
Current trustee, Stephanie Sharp, defended the vote by the trustees, two of whom– Jon Stewart and Don Weiss - are up for re-election, saying that when she asked those who receive her personal newsletter about the proposed increase they felt it was still a good bargain.
“Sure it’s a relative bargain when you compare it to the cost of attending a university, but with the unemployment rate around 10% and climbing this opinion fails to take into account the vast number of students who rely on the college to retrain for new employment,” Nelson responded. “At a time when they are hurting the most, JCCC Trustees are telling these students that even though they are living off their savings or unemployment and struggling to feed their families, JCCC still needs more of their money. It’s insensitive to say the least.”
Instead of looking to the taxpayers and students for additional revenue, Nelson believes Trustees and the college administration should be looking for waste within the budget and searching for creative ways to find additional revenue streams.
“With a budget of nearly one-hundred and fifty million dollars a year, there is bound to be a significant amount of waste,” Nelson said. “On top of cutting costs by eliminating that waste, trustees should be exploring ideas like selling the naming rights to the Carlsen Center, which could raise millions of dollars while removing a constant reminder of one of the worst scandals in the college’s history.”
The Carlsen Center is one of the most prominent buildings on campus. It’s used to hold concerts, special events, guest lecture series, and more. It also bears the name of former JCCC President Charles Carlsen who resigned in 2006 after sexual harassment allegations were raised.
“It’s this kind of creative thinking and fiscal responsibility I will bring to the JCCC Board of Trustees.”
On April 5, the Johnson County electorate will vote in three names to serve on the JCCC Board of Trustees. More can be found out about James Nelson at www.votejamesnelson.com.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Nelson Blasts Trustees’ Decision to Spend Tax Dollars on Image Consulting; End Video Recording of Meetings
Olathe, KS -- James Nelson, a Republican from Olathe, candidate for Trustee at Johnson County Community College, sharply criticized two votes by the current Board of Trustees at their recent meeting. Nelson said the decisions to spend tax dollars on image consulting and to end video recording of Trustee meetings demonstrated the current board was out of touch with the average Johnson County taxpayer.
“To reduce transparency and open government by shutting down video production of meetings by citing $40,000 in savings, but then to spend $120,000 on ‘rebranding’ would be absolutely laughable if it wasn’t such an offense to the taxpayer,” Nelson said.
Regarding the decision to end video production, Nelson said that the decision smacked of an effort to limit transparency.
“Transparency is very important, particularly in light of recent controversies at the college concerning open meetings. While audio is nice, it alone doesn’t often tell the whole story of a meeting. The decision to cease broadcasting board meetings seems to fly in the face of what the public expects today out of its government, which is open access. Not everyone has the time to attend Trustee meetings, so video is important,” said Nelson, who went on to add, “Furthermore, in today’s world of online video and YouTube, to take a step back a couple decades and not have video available seems foolish. If cost is truly the concern, is there not someone at the college, perhaps students in a video production class, who could do this for less? We’re talking about 12 meetings a year and perhaps two stationary cameras.”
Nelson said the $40,000 cost concern was particularly silly in light of the Trustees’ decision to spend up to $120,000 on rebranding.
“This is exactly the type of decision that baffles the average taxpayer. Are there not students or faculty at the college who have the talent to assist in any rebranding effort, if indeed that is even necessary? It seems they could have taken 1/3 of the rebranding funds and retained video production of meetings. Perhaps it is because of mind boggling decisions like this that the college needs a rebranded image in the first place,” said Nelson.
Nelson said the comments by current trustees, two of whom – Jon Stewart and Don Weiss – are up for re-election, were proof-positive that change is needed in college leadership.
“The attitude seemed to be – we have the money, why not spend it on rebranding? I have a better idea – how about realizing the money isn’t yours to begin with. That’s the attitude I would bring to the college.”
On April 5, the Johnson County electorate will vote in three names to serve on the JCCC Board of Trustees. More can be found out about James Nelson at www.votejamesnelson.com.
“To reduce transparency and open government by shutting down video production of meetings by citing $40,000 in savings, but then to spend $120,000 on ‘rebranding’ would be absolutely laughable if it wasn’t such an offense to the taxpayer,” Nelson said.
Regarding the decision to end video production, Nelson said that the decision smacked of an effort to limit transparency.
“Transparency is very important, particularly in light of recent controversies at the college concerning open meetings. While audio is nice, it alone doesn’t often tell the whole story of a meeting. The decision to cease broadcasting board meetings seems to fly in the face of what the public expects today out of its government, which is open access. Not everyone has the time to attend Trustee meetings, so video is important,” said Nelson, who went on to add, “Furthermore, in today’s world of online video and YouTube, to take a step back a couple decades and not have video available seems foolish. If cost is truly the concern, is there not someone at the college, perhaps students in a video production class, who could do this for less? We’re talking about 12 meetings a year and perhaps two stationary cameras.”
Nelson said the $40,000 cost concern was particularly silly in light of the Trustees’ decision to spend up to $120,000 on rebranding.
“This is exactly the type of decision that baffles the average taxpayer. Are there not students or faculty at the college who have the talent to assist in any rebranding effort, if indeed that is even necessary? It seems they could have taken 1/3 of the rebranding funds and retained video production of meetings. Perhaps it is because of mind boggling decisions like this that the college needs a rebranded image in the first place,” said Nelson.
Nelson said the comments by current trustees, two of whom – Jon Stewart and Don Weiss – are up for re-election, were proof-positive that change is needed in college leadership.
“The attitude seemed to be – we have the money, why not spend it on rebranding? I have a better idea – how about realizing the money isn’t yours to begin with. That’s the attitude I would bring to the college.”
On April 5, the Johnson County electorate will vote in three names to serve on the JCCC Board of Trustees. More can be found out about James Nelson at www.votejamesnelson.com.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
James Nelson Files for JCCC Trustee
Olathe, KS -- James Nelson, a Republican from Olathe, announced his decision to run for Johnson County Community College Trustee Wednesday.
In announcing his decision, James said he was running to ensure that the principles of open government, fiscal responsibility, academic freedom, and administration accountability were upheld on the Board of Trustees.
“The JCCC Board of Trustees oversees the largest community college in the state, and with that, a very large budget and hundreds of employees. As such, openness and transparency, fiscal prudence, and accountability within the college are essential. I look forward to promoting these ideals as I campaign,” said Nelson.
On April 5, the Johnson County electorate will be vote in three names to serve on the JCCC Board of Trustees. If a primary is necessary, that will take place on March 1.
James Nelson was born in Kansas City, MO and moved to Olathe, KS in 1983. He is a 1994 graduate from Olathe South High School. He attended the University of Kansas and holds an Associate of Applied Science from Johnson County Community College where he graduated with Honors. James has three wonderful children, all of whom attend Olathe Public Schools.
James is an independent small business owner. His business experience has been leading a company that has been on the forefront of the Internet revolution. As one of the regions first and longest lasting independent Internet Service Providers, his firm has helped foster economic growth and development in the greater Kansas City area by bringing new technological advancements to both businesses and consumers.
James is a founding member of the Hope for America Coalition, a nonpartisan organization of concerned citizens with the goal of making a better nation by supporting, protecting, and defending the Constitution of the United States. He is also a member of the North Kansas City Business Council, the American Alliance of Service Providers, and Henri Masonic Lodge #190.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
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