Andy Rossback
Can you spare 90 minutes? What if it were going to save you hundreds of dollars over the course of the next few years?
Folks, you have that opportunity. Won’t you take it?
The college will be hosting a Legislative Town Hall Meeting featuring Rep. Peter Buckley (D-Ashland) Thursday, May 5, from 7-8:30 p.m. Buckley is also the co-chair of Ways and Means Committee — which handles state budget issues. The meeting will be held in Building 17, Room 308.
Political Science instructor Steve Candee was offering up extra credit for students in his class to attend. Candee thinks the town hall will be geared mainly toward education.
“There is a lot of misinformation out there and lack of information,” Candee said.
He said there is a lack of student involvement as well.
“The irony of that is the decisions have a direct impact on students.”
At the town hall, you can hear it straight from the horses (legislators) mouths.
Legislators will spend the majority of the time taking questions from attendees. So it couldn’t hurt to have a few prepared if you decide to go.
While Candee thinks the town hall will probably be dominated by staff and faculty of the college, it would be nice to see a few students come out.
This is one of few chances for students to actually interact with government. You’ll get to stand in the same room as people who will make important decisions about your education.
These people will be determining how much money schools in Oregon receive. That amount of money is likely to be less than the amount the college received last year. Therefore, budget cuts will take place and will likely raise the cost of tuition.
Government officials are very much concerned with what you think. They listen — and try to keep you happy — because they want to be reelected.
Anyone exercising official power undoubtably needs watching. See you out there.
Don’t forget your questions!
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Managing Editor Andy Rossback is at 541-463-5109 or a.rossback@gmail.com.
