Hi reader! What a whirlwind it has been these last few weeks, to say the least! There’s so much happening nationally that deserves attention, but with about 800 words at my disposal, let’s keep this discussion local, where our voices can actually make a difference.

It wasn’t long ago that campaign season was upon us (though honestly, it feels like it never ends anymore). Local Republican candidates flooded mailboxes with promises of better transparency, accountability, putting parents first in grade school decisions, and creating more inclusive environments for everyone. Noble goals that resonated with voters across party lines.

Yet here we are, witnessing the stark contrast between campaign rhetoric and governing reality.

Take College of the Canyons for example. The three most recently elected board members — Fred Arnold, Sharlene Johnson and Darlene Trevino — voted together to terminate the interim president. Now, I understand that closed session discussions involve confidential information the public cannot access. However, the optics are absolutely stunning.

These are the same individuals who campaigned relentlessly on transparency and accountability regarding our tax dollars. Yet while an ongoing investigation examines how millions of our taxpayer dollars were allegedly misused for years, they terminated the interim president who strongly supported this audit.

The timing couldn’t be more suspicious.

Perhaps there are legitimate reasons behind closed session........

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