Four candidates are running to fill two openings on the Pima Community College Board of Governors.
The Starβs editorial board endorses Maria Garcia in District 3, and Debi Chess Mabie in District 5.
Garcia and Chess Mabie demonstrate the thoroughness, vision and attention to detail the PCC board needs as it oversees a community college system with falling enrollment, revenue challenges, low employee morale, previous accreditation problems and the lasting effects of sexual harassment and retaliation accusations made against former Chancellor Roy Flores.
Garcia is running against District 3 candidate Sherryn βVikkiβ Marshall, who sat on the PCC board for 12 years before losing in 2012. Marshall was part of the board during Floresβ reign, when the college faced serious problems with accreditation and mishandling of specific programs, and an outside evaluation found the Governing Board members failed to exercise oversight of Flores and in their communication.
During a board candidatesβ forum last month Marshall failed to detail how she would operate differently, should she be elected. We view her past board performance as disqualifying for any elected office.
Garcia has clearly done her homework on PCC, talking with faculty, students, staff and community members. She has a handle on the outstanding problems the system faces, including falling enrollment and keeping job training programs current.
Debi Chess Mabie, the former executive director of the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, has a long history with community organizations in Tucson and beyond. Her skills as an executive and nonprofit leader will translate well to the PCC Board of Governors.
Chess Mabie is facing Luis L. Gonzales, a former Pascua Yaqui tribal councilman, for the seat being vacated by (a different) Luis Gonzales. We wish Gonzales, the candidate, would provide more than generic statements about the role of PCC and the board.
Chess Mabie is focused on job training programs and making sure theyβre relevant and current β a key reason why people attend community college β and financial accountability. She is upfront about what she needs to learn about the inner workings of PCC, and takes a deliberative approach rather than making vague, uninformed promises.
For these reasons, the Starβs editorial board endorses Maria Garcia in District 3 and Debi Chess Mabie in District 5 for the Pima Community College Board of Governors.
