It’s obvious that Dr. Larry Christiansen has what it takes to rise to Chancellor.One out of three as a finalist in the Houston Community College System, with 50,000 students and six schools makes for a good move in the life of a man that has excelled in his field.Being President of MCC with one year shy of 20 years - brings a lot of experience to the table. He has been excellent in reaching out to the community and involving others. I’ve been to several events at MCC, all of which included diversity in many different ways.What I see is that he has been able to realize the construction of a life sciences building, iconic library building, and the Red Mountain Campus which brought together his one school - two campus vision. Hopefully, the library discussions for downtown Mesa will continue and be a reality as well. As Mark Gooding, MCC Instructor puts it "he runs a pretty tight ship. He has a lean organization here." That’s brings a bit of insight into how he is seen by his staff.Dr. Christiansen has been positive and assertive in being open and making changes in recent months by changing methods that needed to be addressed. What else could one ask for?Houston would be most fortunate to hire someone with his excellent outreach and administrative skills.
Archive for December 16th, 2006Boeing is the expertDecember 16th, 2006, 3:30 am by SharonAlthough an agreement was reached to allow some housing near Williams Gateway Airport, I still believe Boeing has it right. Sometimes we have to listen to the experts - I would say Boeing is the expert when it comes to airports, surrounding land developments, housing negatives near flight paths and noise, and the risk of business potential being lost. It’s a "no brain-er" in my opinion - don’t put residents where they are sure to complain soon after moving in and even more so later as Williams Gateway Airport continues to grow, now with it’s 4th carrier, Sky Value - it will happen. Boeing knows!I grew up in Tucson, a good ways from Davis Monthan Air Force Base, maybe 7 miles - but we lived in the flight path. My mom would "hit the floor" every time a B52 flew over. My parents were forever patching a crack that went across the ceiling because the sound was so loud the house shook. Then it was the jets - we’d hear them after they were gone! I actually lived on Williams A.F.B. as a kid, I don’t know if there was anyone around to complain then! Later, living in Glendale there was always residents near Luke A.F.B. complaining - then there was more housing built much later and closer to the base - it got pretty bad, people said they had a right to complain. Knowing the base was there when they moved in didn’t seem to register at the time. More recently the Mayor of Surprise backed down from housing proposed in her town - seeing the logic in the request to protect the base from further unnecessary negative circumstances. None of these areas where houses were built were owned by the Air Force - it just makes good since not to put a problem under the nose of an airplane. People and homes don’t mix with runways, noise, and low flying aircraft. It’s best for all concerned to keep an appropriate distance. Right?I thought the land was going to be occupied by business, small warehouses and industrial sites. That makes more sense.Listen to Boeing - they’ve been in the business for decades - why not trust their judgement? |