As a current board member of Central Oregon Community College, I heartily endorse David Ford for a second term. From drawing upon his private sector experience, thorough preparation for meetings, active involvement on numerous committees and the insightful questions he asks, it is clear that he not only has a firm understanding of where COCC is now, but also what we need to do to get to the next level.

As a board member over the past four years, Ford was an integral part of helping to manage COCC’s rapid growth in student enrollment and the largest number of new construction projects in the college’s history — opening branch campuses in Prineville and Madras, a culinary institute and science and health career facilities in Bend, along with a technology center currently being built in Redmond. This was all done while keeping COCC tuition at a level that is among the lowest of all community colleges in the state.

Ford is a highly principled and ethical leader and we would all benefit by having him re-elected to the COCC board for another four years.

Bruce Abernethy

Bend