Candidate hopes to repair image of college

The Union
By Lindsey Croft
July 19, 2006

Bill Martin says the Sierra College board of trustees needs to repair its reputation after what he described as a year of controversy for the Rocklin-based community college.

Martin, a retired engineering executive and former college instructor, is intent on restoring the community's confidence in the board by running for one of its soon-to-be vacant seats.

"The first thing that has to be done is remove the sense that the board is politicized," said Martin of his planned course of action. "It isn't necessarily an overnight thing. I just want to be there long term to help them get back on track."

Martin was first interested in becoming a trustee when he saw the board becoming increasingly political.

"I'm determined that partisan politics shouldn't play a role in how the college is managed," Martin said.

The hopeful trustee believes partisan politics have caused great difficulties for the college - a loss of support for public bonds and suffering dissension between faculty and staff is evidence enough for Martin.

He hopes to fill the seat of Area 5 Trustee Dave Creek, who is retiring and moving out of the area. Martin said he has already obtained an endorsement from Creek.

Martin seeks to change the equilibrium of the board, along with the support of fellow board member Barbara Vineyard. "I may be part of the minority for two years, or I may be part of the majority immediately," Martin said. "I want to be a spokesman for a collaborative and nonpartisan decision making."

With a background as an engineering executive, Martin believes his expertise and experiences in his field will be of value to the board.

"If you don't deliver a product at a price, you get fired," he said. "You have to deliver a product at the right price and a product that works."