Guest View: Gav official shows attitude of SBC

I shook my head in dismay as I read Mr. Kinsella’s June 29th
letter regarding Gavilan Community College and the future of a
permanent San Benito County location. The community’s frustration
with his leadership should have been at a breaking point some time
ago.
 
Annette d. Giacomazzi

I shook my head in dismay as I read Mr. Kinsella’s June 29th letter regarding Gavilan Community College and the future of a permanent San Benito County location. The community’s frustration with his leadership should have been at a breaking point some time ago. 

I found his letter to be condescending and patronizing at best. Case in point, his comment, “Imagine future students crossing the stage of San Benito Junior College when they graduate.”  The phrase “Junior” college intentionally evolved to “Community” College by college administrators, trustees and student body nearly four decades ago. Yes, nearly forty years, ago. “Community” college places the emphasis where it should: on the community it serves. In addition, the 40-year-old moniker honors the students, the faculty, and the staff by elevating the amazing progress and noteworthy body of work of which they accomplish, year after year, class after class, student after student. The simple fact that Mr. Kinsella chose the outdated and colloquial phrase “San Benito Junior College” and yet, signed his name as President of Gavilan Community College, exposes what he thinks about SBC (Junior) and explains why he shamefully used “students’ needs” to dismiss a group of dedicated citizens who have a progressive and realistic vision of an inclusionary, vibrant downtown.  

His attitude in this letter, unfortunately a pattern echoed in other situations, treats SBC residents like we’re the branch of the family to be ashamed of. Shame on Mr. Kinsella. But, more importantly, shame on us for tolerating his puzzling disregard towards SBC and stuck-in-the-70’s thinking. San Benito County deserves better. I expect a full house at the Community Forum, Monday, July 19th, Veterans Memorial Building at 6 p.m.

Annette d. Giacomazzi, business owner and community advocate