The following are the unedited responses from Jack B. Westbrook, candidate for the Amarillo College Board of Regents. Westbrook is facing Johnny Mize, David C. Woodburn, Paul Proffer, and Terry Hawthorne in the May 4th general election.
Jack B. Westbrook
Background
What is your educational background? Please list any degrees earned, and institutions attended. You may also list any professional certifications.
MS LCU, BSOE WBU, AAS CCAF
What is your occupation?
Retired
What is your age?
57
How many years have you lived in Amarillo?
Six all together (two this time)
Issues
In your view, what is the biggest issue facing Amarillo College today, and how do you plan to address this issue?
Finance and tenure of staff. I plan to evaluate the issues and address the problems if elected
In your view, when are tuition increases necessary at Amarillo College? Please explain.
The reality is that we have inflation to cope with annually. The cost of community college has tripled in the last 40 years, but the value of the dollar has only doubled (if my sources are accurate). The cost per hour should only be about $26 dollars per hour. Otherwise, I see no justification for increase.
If you had to assign a letter grade to the performance of college president Russell Lowery-Hart, what grade would you select and why?
To be honest, I haven’t been in a position to require me to do so. I have not examined his actions on my own accord closely enough to give him a letter grade. However, I like some of his initiatives.
Do you support Amarillo College joining TIRZ zone initiatives? Please explain.
No. It begins with the word “Tax.”
Do you believe the current college board is fiscally responsible? Please explain.
I would need to check the books to answer this question, but I am running because constituents have indicated to me that more fiscal responsibility and transparency is desired.
What must Amarillo College do to continue developing the incoming work force in Amarillo? Please explain.
Provide educational opportunities to ensure a trained workforce for the potential businesses that Amarillo’s Economic Development entities seek to lure to our area.
In your view, if a tax bill for a single piece of property increases from the previous year, while the tax rate remains the same, does this constitute a tax increase? Please explain.
Yes. If the tax appraisal value of a property goes up, this is in effect a tax increase even if the rate remains the same.
What should be Amarillo College's role in overall quality of life in Amarillo? Please explain.
The college has the ability to provide arts and entertainment for the community, among other things. The college can provide affordable education to allow citizens to improve their earning power.
How can Amarillo College better assist students looking to transfer to four-year universities? Please explain.
Ensure that classes are transferable to state-funded universities.
Parking seems to be a major complaint of students attending Amarillo College. Do you believe this is a legitimate issue, and if so, what should the board of regents do to help alleviate this issue?
It is a major issue in my own personal experience. Even simple repacking of a parking lot is a major expense. This does not include the property cost or the “Big Yellow Taxi” concerns. I would need to examine what efforts have been considered and problem solve beyond that to determine what to do beyond this.
Why should voters choose you on election day?
I promise to be a good, transparent steward of this great Amarillo asset. I promise to seek the best interests of the students, faculty, and tax payers.