Letter: Worst fears

Published 12:15 am Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Thank you to reporter Rebecca Norden-Bright, whose Aug. 15 story (The Astorian) about the selection of a new president of Clatsop Community College confirmed the worst fears of those of us who have been alarmed by the college’s deterioration.

When the preferred candidate for the job withdrew rather than trying to fix a “‘Lord of the Flies’ situation,” as Richard Hopper memorably put it, it spoke volumes about the college’s continuing mismanagement. His unpleasant but bracing observation should light a fire under those of us who hope for the college to survive and thrive, because ultimately, it is up to us.

The problems start at the top. One or more board members, if they aren’t recalled first, should decline to run for reelection rather than inflict further harm on the college. If they won’t, voters should turn them out the next time they’re on the ballot.

Only when calm competence prevails on the board will the college be equipped to refocus itself on the needs of students and community members, address its hollowed-out faculty and take other steps to restore the confidence it has squandered.

MIKE FRANCIS

Astoria