“Down ticket” races often don’t get much attention. But if you live in South Orange County (anywhere on the right side of the 55 freeway) there’s one very important open seat race for South Orange County Community College Trustee. Tim Jemal, a DTS candidate, is opposing John Williams for a seat on the board. The same John Williams who was Orange County Public Administrator/Public Guardian who was locked out of his office by OC Supervisors amid serious charges of mismanaging his department and the estates of some deceased people.
Williams must miss his government benefits.
Tim is an exceptional public affairs professional and served as the Executive Director of the American Electronics Association in OC and put together some excellent partnerships between the tech industry and education, notably partnerships focusing on cleaning up the ocean and coastline as well as programs to educate kids about dangers on the Internet.
Tim has support from Democrats like Loretta Sanchez and support from Republicans. The SCCCD can use someone that’s smart, uses common sense, and puts solid education policy ahead of politics, unlike what the late Tom Fuentes did on this board.
What can we say about John Williams that hasn’t already been said? He personifies the worst kind of corrupt, crony, hypocritical politician that our county government management is loaded with. Putting Williams back in public office would be huge mistake and do serious damage to Irvine Valley and Saddleback College. Williams is not worthy of public service. Tim is a stand-up guy who works to bridge gaps and find common ground, and he’ll use these skills to do what is in the best interests of our community colleges.
Something here stinks. This Jemal guy is endorsed by this liberal blog, one of the liberal Sanchez sisters, and Conservitive Republican Don Wagner. When the two ends of the spectrum meet like this, one thing is for sure; the people are getting screwed.
There is more than one challenger to Williams in this race and one is better suited for the position. Being a stand up guy doesn’t negate a solid knowledge base. Perhaps you should interview her.