Colleagues,

We are in the home stretch now. The election for the Board of Trustees
is fast approaching and the ballots have arrived. Your Instructors'
Association would like to make sure that you have access to all
information that might be of assistance in this critical decision.

Over the last few weeks we have sent a number of letters to our unit
members. Some have been received and some have not. Flyers have been
removed from mailboxes, e-mails have been recalled, e-mails have been
blocked.

Both the District and the IA have acted according to the law, as they
understand it. However we differ seriously in our interpretation of the
first amendment and how it applies in an academic setting. The District
has issued their set of Election Guidelines and the lawyer for the IA
has challenged the legality of their rules. Those of you who are
interested can follow the chronology and read the opinions.

Freedom of Speech: http://www.fieldstudy.com/IA/


However our primary concern is that our membership is informed. If you
have not received our letter explaining the reasoning behind the
endorsement by the IA Executive Board, please take a moment to read it.

Concerning Our Endorsement: http://www.fieldstudy.com/IA/Email1004.htm


The District has written a lengthy reply to our endorsement letter. We
include it here. The IA Executive Board stands by its statement. We
remind the reader that the code governing CE course offerings is complex
and pliable. The critical factor, as we were told when we inquired of
the Chancellor's Office, is the support of the District.

The District's Reply: http://www.fieldstudy.com/ia/SerbanEmail101010.htm


If you were unable to attend the Candidates Forum we co-sponsored on
September 30, cable TV channel 21 is re-broadcasting it regularly and it
is available on "YouTube". It is an excellent opportunity to observe the
strengths and weaknesses of all the candidates.

SBCC Candidates Forum on Cable 21:
http://fieldstudy.com/IA/Ch21SBCCForum.htm
SBCC Candidates Forum on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjIuw1cwYXk

If you would like to become more informed, please research the
candidates and learn more about the issues.

Challengers: http://citizens4sbcc.org/
Incumbents: http://www.friendsofsbcc.org/

Time and money are scarce for all candidates. Regardless of your
political leaning, please consider becoming more involved in this
campaign and contributing in some way to the outcome. This is a
watershed moment. The outcome of this election will profoundly affect
the future of this college and it is essential that we use our votes
wisely.
 
Lynne Elisabeth Stark / President
SBCC Instructors' Association