Panelists answered the following: As a whole, do you believe Gavilan College’s leadership is responsive to the needs of San Benito County?
Jim West: “No. A lot of promises to get Measure E passed but to date, nothing to show for it.”
Nants Foley: “I believe the leadership of Gavilan College has to juggle multiple priorities and they do the best they can. Having said that I have seen San Benito County get the short end of the stick from government agencies, granting entities and multi-county nonprofit organizations. It’s not fun being the unloved stepchild.”
Ruth Erickson: “No! For years, Gavilan College’s Superintendent and President has been questioned about his intentions for the future Hollister campus, but he has often refused to answer or has sidetracked his responses, infuriating many San Benito County residents. Finally, some concerned community leaders and officials have questioned some of Gavilan College’s board decisions. The college started in Hollister and we deserve better than being low on the totem pole in importance for our county’s 2,000 students who have to commute from Hollister to Gavilan’s Gilroy campus.”
Mary Zanger: “No. I am most disappointed that the lawn area in front of the parking garage is not developed into a satellite campus. A college campus situated on our most important intersection would revitalize the downtown. It would serve the educational needs of the whole community with classrooms, lecture and exhibition centers, concert hall and theatre. Easy driving and parking, bicycling, walking and bus accessibility would anchor this asset as intended by district voters. I am most alarmed by the behavior of the other two Gavilan board members who supposedly represent San Benito County. They should not be returned to office. Whoever takes up the banner of Tony Ruiz should be thoroughly supported.”
Richard Herrera: “I believe they make an effort to respond to our needs but once they listen to feedback, hopefully they will make improvements.”
Marty Richman: “No, it appears to me they are taking care of themselves first. There is actually a strong disincentive for Gavilan to improve Hollister and San Benito County – they would lose a large portion of their main campus population. For almost the same money they have spent to date just on land and studies Gavilan could easily have had a full functioning Educational Center here many years ago.”
