Re-elect Stephen J. Gill trustee of Washtenaw Community College on Nov. 2. Steve offers experience from his first six-year term, continuity during a time of rapid change in the college and community, and demonstrated leadership that has contributed to developing WCC programs that prepare students for good-paying, 21st-century jobs. Steve is has been a college professor and college counselor and consults with many organizations on how to develop employees and create an environment of learning and change. This background gives him an important perspective in setting policy that affects students, staff, and faculty at WCC.

WCC has become an essential community resource attended annually by over 30,000 credit and non-credit students of all ages, and employing nearly 1000 faculty and staff, adding greatly to the local economy. I know Steve wants to continue the open-door policy of WCC and support a work environment that will continue to attract outstanding faculty and staff.

At a time when there is tremendous pressure on our educational institutions to help improve the economy and educate a higher percentage of citizens, we need Steve’s proven leadership at the helm of our community college.

Another very important reason to re-elect Steve is because the current WCC President, Larry Whitworth, will be retiring in 2011. We need the continuity and experience that Steve will bring to the process of hiring a new president. Steve has already proven that he can provide valuable Board leadership. Now I encourage the citizens of Washtenaw County to vote for Steve on Nov. 2 and give him another term.

Edward D. Surovell Ann Arbor