Delta President Delays Seating New Board Members

[SJDCwatch]

http://sjdcwatch.blogspot.com/2008/11/delta-president-delays-seating-new.html

Delta President Delays Seating New Board Members

SJDCwatch Exclusive.

In case you missed it, the voters recently elected four new board
members at Delta College. Since there are a total of seven seats on
the board, we have a new board. So, why is President Raul Rodriguez
doing everything he can to delay seating the new board? Why should the
college administration be allowed to push through business that is
against the stated views of the new members?

-President Up To His Same Old Tricks-

Even as voters spoke loudly for change on the Delta board, President
Rodriguez is working to thwart their will by delaying the seating of
the new members until long after the first day that they can legally
be seated (Friday, December 5).
In a recent e-mail, Rodriguez claims that "we plan to swear in the new
trustees, hold an organizational meeting to select the new board
officers, and then transact any business that might be before the new
board" on December 16, 2008.
Rodriguez defends his idea on the dubious premise that this is the
"normal schedule of holding board meetings on the first and third
Tuesdays of the month."
Rodriguez does not seem to appreciate the historic nature of the
recent election. Voters rose up, like never before, and demanded
change. Four incumbents were either voted out or chose not to run on
their record.
In a time of such unprecedented change, the President must honor the
will of the electorate.

-Never Missing An Opportunity... to Miss An Opportunity-

There was a window of opportunity in the first week after the election
to contact the new trustees, work with the old board, and synchronize
calendars. There should have been at least a sketch of a plan for
welcoming and installing the new members before the election. We doubt
anything was done.
As things stand now, even with a measure of goodwill and competence on
the part of his subordinates, we doubt Rodriguez could arrange for the
new board to take office before Dec. 9. Under the law, the old board
has full authority to continue to make decisions until the new board
is sworn in and installed. It would show some self-restraint and
respect for the voters if the old board conducted nothing more than
routine business after Dec. 5.

-What To Do Now?-

Cancel the December 2, 2008 board meeting. Seat the new board on
December 5, 2008. Hold the meeting on December 16, 2008 with the new
board.
Start conducting the District's business in a transparent manner.

-SJDCwatch