MHCC GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS UPGRADE BUILDINGS, ADD CLASSROOMS, IMPROVE TECHNOLOGY.
QUESTION: Shall Mt. Hood Community College be authorized to upgrade, expand college facilities by issuing general obligation bonds not exceeding $68,400,000? If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.
SUMMMARY: This measure may be passed only at an election with at least a 50 percent voter turnout.
If approved, this measure would finance capital construction and capital improvement costs to upgrade existing buildings; construct a learning center with expanded library, computerized learning center and classrooms with up-to-date technology, and a health occupations/biotechnology building. Specifically, this measure would:
- Upgrade and improve existing facilities to extend their life including, but not limited to:
- Replace leaking roofs;
- Make seismic, facility and energy upgrades;
- Remove asbestos; and
- Make handicap access, security and site improvements.
- Construct, equip and furnish a learning center with an expanded library, computerized learning center and classrooms with up-to-date technology to enable MHCC students, through cooperative agreements with Oregon’s four-year universities, to earn bachelor’s degrees without leaving the area.
- Construct, equip and furnish a health occupations/
- biotechnology building to expand programs in these fields so graduates’ skills and training might qualify them for a rapidly growing number of high wage, high technology jobs.
- Pay all associated building and bond issuance costs.
Bonds will mature in 21 years or less.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Mt. Hood Community College faces a number of problems
as a result of:
aging, inadequate facilities
overcrowded classrooms
increasing enrollment
If approved, proceeds from this bond measure would enable Mt. Hood Community College to:
- Protect the community’s investment in the college
- Expand educational opportunities for 30,000 MHCC students
- Prepare students for high wage, high technology jobs in the emerging economy
If approved, this bond measure would permit Mt. Hood Community College to:
Protect our community’s investment in our college
MHCC lacks the financial resources for upgrading, renovating and improving existing college buildings to protect the community’s investment in these facilities and extend their life. Specifically, this bond measure would provide funds to upgrade and improve existing facilities, including:
- Replace leaking roofs
- Make seismic, facility and energy upgrades
- Remove asbestos and
- Make handicap access, security and site improvements
Expand educational opportunities for 30,000 students
30,000 students get an affordable education at Mt. Hood Community College. More students are enrolling every term.
If approved, this bond measure would:
- Provide opportunities, through cooperative agreements with Oregon’s four-year universities, for MHCC students to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving the area by constructing a new learning center that includes an expanded library, a computerized learning center and classrooms with up-to-date technology.
- Expand and improve programs and career opportunities in health occupations and biotechnology by constructing a new classroom building with up-to-date technology and laboratories as well as space for clinical and office facilities related to these instructional programs.
Prepare students for high wage, high technology jobs in the emerging economy
According to a national poll measuring the public’s “Attitudes Toward Public Higher Education,” 89% of those surveyed think it is “very important” or “fairly important” to have good public colleges and universities in a state to help produce a well-trained workforce.
If approved, this MHCC bond measure to build a learning resource center and health occupations/biotechnology building would provide many new opportunities for training and retraining students and laid off workers for high wage, high technology jobs in this region’s emerging economy.
If approved, this bond measure would support current programs by modernizing existing buildings and upgrading technology, lab space and classrooms.
The principal amount of the bond issue would not exceed $68,400,000 million. The bonds would mature in 21 years or less.
The estimated cost to property owners is approximately 29 cents per $1,000 of assessed value over the life of the 21-year bond, or approximately $44 per year for an owner of a $150,000 home. Rates could be less or more depending on interest rates and the growth in the district’s total assessed value.
New construction within the college district would add to the college district’s total assessed value and assist in payment of the bond measure.
Submitted by:
Bob Morris, MHCCD Board of Education Chairman
Robert Silverman, MHCC President
No arguments AGAINST this measure were filed.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Hello. My name is Nikki Jauron and I am the president of Associated Students of Mt. Hood Community College.
I am supporting Measure 26-31 for Mt. Hood Community College and I want to tell you why.
More than 30,000 people enroll in our college every year. Most are from nearby. They take many different classes. Some students are seeking certification for a new career in health care, engineering technology, computer sciences or one of many other programs at the college.
Some students want to continue their education to work towards a Bachelor’s degree or even beyond. But right now, that is not an option at Mt. Hood Community College or anywhere in our local community.
Having to travel or commute to another college outside of our area can be a big barrier for many students. For a student who is working or taking care of a family, or both, as well as going to school, that barrier can mean the end of formal education.
Measure 26-31 will do many good thinks for our college and our community. It will improve the library, upgrade facilities, and repair buildings.
For me, the most exciting part of Measure 26-31 is the new University Center. With the Center, the college’s university partners can offer upper-level courses. Students will be able to pursue a four-year degree, and even take some graduate level courses, right here in our own community.
Measure 26-31 and the University Center will take Mt. Hood Community College, its students and the entire community into the 21st century with new opportunities for success.
I hope you will join me in voting yes on Measure 26-31.
(This information furnished by Nikki Jauron, Associated Students of Mt. hood Community College)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Protect our investment in Mt. Hood Community College.
Vote YES on Measure 26-31.
Mt. Hood Community College serves our community well. Sooner or later, everyone seems to go there – students who are right out of high school along with people who want to change careers after many years.
What makes our college so valuable is its excellence in education and training.
The college enrolls over 30,000 people a year and offers more than 60 career training programs and more than 60 transfer subject areas.
The cost of two years at Mt. Hood Community College is much less than two years at a four-year college.
But Mt. Hood Community College cannot continue to provide quality education if we allow its classrooms and laboratories to become outdated or just worn out.
Mt. Hood Community College is now over 30 years old! Even though the college has continually maintained its facilities, its age is beginning to show.
Measure 26-31 will allow the college to upgrade some classrooms and laboratories, make energy improvements and seismic upgrades, as well improve access for people with disabilities.
It makes sense to protect what we have with Mt. Hood Community College. Can you even imagine our community without it?
Vote YES on Measure 26-31.
Ann Duffy
President,
League of Women Voters of East Multnomah Count
(This information furnished by Ann C. Duffy, League of Women Voters of East Multnomah County)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Vote YES on Measure 26-31 for
Mt. Hood Community College Bonds
We are among the thousands of supporters of Mt. Hood Community College, which has trained tens of thousands of our residents for family wage jobs. Because of the highly skilled workforce, we have attracted significant technology and other business in recent years.
Now, it is time to protect the investment in the college by upgrading and renovating the campus as well as modernizing for new technology businesses looking for well-trained and educated workers.
Teena Ainslie
Judy Alley
Tobias Anderson
Victor Atiyeh
Jan Baker
Beverly A. Bennet
William F. Bitar
Larry Blaufus
John Calcagno
Tom Clute
Richard Craddick
Phillip D. Creighton
Mike Czajka
Lloyd Culbertson
Chris Daniels
Bruce Dransfeldt
Phyllis Fancher Becker
Pat Fielder
Brian J. Freeman
David Fuller, Mayor of Wood Village
Rob Fussell
Coreen Green
Bobby Howe
Adolph Hertrich
Jerry E. Jaksich
Nancy Jaksich
Jules V. Jenson
Claudia Johnson
Michael Jordan
Cliff Kohler
Suzie Kohler
Monty E. Knittel
William J. Knopf
Hudson F. Lasher
Brain A. Lessler
John Lim
Diane Linn, Multnomah County Chair
James Luttropp
Shirley Luttropp
Gordon Lynch
John P. Malcom
Mary Martin
Gwenda McCall
Terry McCall
Dan McCreath
Jacquenette J. McIntire
Diane McKeel
Michael McKeel
Gussie McRobert
Mary McSwain
Kathie Minden
Representative Karen Minnis
Representative Laurie Monnes Anderson
Hiroshi Morihara
Bob Morris
Stanley C. Morris
Carol Nielsen-Hood
Suzanne C. O’Halloran
Stephen Olczak
Rod Park, Metro Councilor District #1
DeEtte Peck
Carla C. Piluso
Teresa Platts
Lonnie Roberts
Robert Rockwell
Barbara Rommel
Ronald A. Russell
Sandra Sanders
Betty J. Schedeen
Ralph G. Schwab
Duke Shepard
B. Todd Sloan
Scott Stevenson
Michael R. Streicher
Betty A. Stuart
Sedley N. Stuart
Paul Thalhofer, Mayor of Troutdale
Ed Thiemann
Phyllis L. Thiemann
Douglas L. Walker
Jan M. Weston
Ralph A. Yates, D.O.
Junki Yoshida
Linda Yoshida
Marilyn R. Zook
Vote Yes on Measure 26-31 for Mt. Hood Community College Bonds
(This information furnished by Ed Grosswiler, Citizens for Mt. Hood Community College)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
As taxpayers, we always want to know our money is being used wisely. That is why we are voting YES on Measure 26-31, the bond measure for Mt. Hood Community College.
We have already had an excellent return on our investment in Mt. Hood Community College.
Thousands of people enroll in the college every year. They learn skills for new careers and sometimes they go on to 4-year colleges.
Any one of us, of any age, can take a class at Mt. Hood Community College at very low cost. We can learn basic computer skills, a new language, or the politics of the Mideast.
Now it is time to protect our investment in the college by passing Measure 26-31.
If you own a house for thirty years, you know you need renovation and major repairs after all those years, even if you have done basic maintenance over time. It is the same with Mt. Hood Community College. It has been around for thirty years and it needs work.
Besides years of wear and tear, Mt. Hood Community College faces another challenge: more and more students every year. With over 30,000 students enrolling a year, the college needs more classroom space.
Please join us in protecting our investment in Mt. Hood Community College. Vote YES on Measure 26-31.
Jim Duncan, Gateway Resident
Jay & Zerita Owen, Summerplace Residents
(This information furnished by Jim Duncan)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Vote YES on Measure 26-31.
The students and alumni of Mt. Hood Community College can give you a first hand look at the importance of the college in preparing us for highly skilled jobs that pay family wages.
Today’s students know it is critical that our buildings be repaired and renovated. Leaking roofs ultimately can destroy our investment in the buildings that make up the campus. Modernizing technology, lab space and classrooms is vital for keeping students up-to-date with rapidly developing technology.
Measure 26-31 will provide the funds to take care of these needs.
At the same time, Measure 26-31 will bring new excitement to the campus because, for the first time, MHCC will offer bachelor’s degrees from Oregon’s public universities – Oregon, Oregon State, Portland State and others.
We will be able to earn these four-year degrees without the added expenses of living away from home while attending college. People wanting to go back to school and complete a degree can do so without uprooting themselves or their families.
This new cooperative program with Oregon’s public universities adds another dimension to the education MHCC will be offering the East County community.
As part of developing the University Center, MHCC will have a new library – adding another valuable resource for the entire community.
These are some of the many reasons I am supporting the Mt. Hood Community College bonds. Join me in voting YES on Measure 26-31.
Ron Brockelman, Alumnus
(This information furnished by Ron Brockelman)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
We are returning adult students at Mt. Hood Community College and we are voting YES on Measure 26-31 for many reasons.
When we enrolled at Mt. Hood Community College, we had not worked outside our homes or been in school for a long time. We desperately needed to learn the skills to get a good job.
Mt. Hood Community College has the Transitions Program with classes for people like us. These classes are intended for displaced homemakers or people who have depended on the income of others. You learn to assess your skills and abilities and set long-term goals. They help you make an educational plan so you can achieve your career goal.
In short, in the Mt. Hood Community College Transitions Program, you learn what you need to know to get a good job and support your family.
The very best part about going to Mt. Hood Community College is that you want more education.
A two-year degree is great, but people in our community also deserve the opportunity to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree right here.
Measure 26-31 provides for a University Center, with an improved library, and space for university-level programs.
Measure 26-31 will be a wonderful investment in the future of our community and the people who live and work here.
Coreen Green
DeEtte Peck
Beverly A. Bennett
Sandra Sanders
Vote YES on Measure 26-31.
It’s worth every penny!
(This information furnished by Coreen Green)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
I urge you to vote YES for Mt. Hood Community College bonds, Measure 26-31, in May’s primary election. Passage of this measure is essential for the future of the college.
Mt. Hood Community College is one of our community’s most valuable assets. Since the college was formed, it has provided East County residents with the education and training that attracted business with family wages and jobs.
As the economy resumes its growth, the demand for skilled, trained workers will increase from existing businesses while expanding into newly developing areas such as biotechnology.
To meet this demand, we must first renovate the Mt. Hood Community College campus. The tremendous investment we’ve made in the college has brought us a long way. Now, it’s time to protect the investment by repairing the roofs and upgrading for seismic, safety and handicap access.
We must also modernize existing facilities by upgrading technology, lab space and class rooms. This will give us the facilities to prepare people for the highly technical workplaces being developed in the area.
Mt. Hood Community College has significantly enhanced the job skills of our residents and now faces the challenge of training people for new technology. It is essential that the college have the modern facilities required to train people for the family wage jobs that new technology is bringing to the area.
Vote YES for Measure 26-31 to protect the investment we have made in the college and to upgrade technology, lab space and classrooms so our residents can get the training they need for today’s jobs.
Diane Linn
Chair
Multnomah County
(This information furnished by Diane Linn)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
I am voting ‘YES’ on the Mt. Hood Community College Bond Measure because I believe it is an essential tool for training students and displaced workers in our community for jobs that are in high-demand.
Mt. Hood Community College has done an excellent job preparing students from all walks of life to work in health science and health care jobs.
But the college cannot continue to provide quality programs with inferior labs and outdated technology. Every year there are more jobs in the health science field, and more demand for training. With a new Allied Health/Bioscience Facility, Mt. Hood Community College can provide up-to-date training in health science and offer new programs in the growing field of biotechnology. Without this bond measure, the college will be less able to prepare students for careers in these fast-changing fields.
The new health/science facility will provide business partners the opportunity to provide on-the-job learning experiences for students. As a nurse, I know that training in a working environment is the best possible way to gain the real-world experience necessary to get and keep a good job in health sciences.
With our support, Mt. Hood Community College can prepare students in our community to be world-class workers in health care and biotechnology.
Please join me in voting yes on the Mt. Hood Community College Bond Measure No. 26-31.
Laurie Monnes Anderson
State Representative
Vote YES on Measure 26-31.
(This information furnished by State Representative Laurie Monnes Anderson)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Vote YES on Measure 26-31.
Because it makes sense to protect our investment.
Mt. Hood Community College is the center of our region. The college has something for everyone…from technical training for people looking for jobs, to college transfer programs, to community education classes, such as basic computer skills.
- It’s everybody’s college. And now our college is 30 years old!
- At 30 years old, some buildings have leaky roofs.
- There are no longer enough classrooms to handle everyone.
- Science labs are outdated.
- There isn’t enough library space.
- The college badly needs a computer center.
By supporting Measure 26-31, we can protect our investment in Mt. Hood Community College for just pennies a month.
With Measure 26-31, we can repair leaky roofs, add classrooms, upgrade science labs, expand library space and get a badly needed computer center – all for just pennies a month.
Vote YES on Measure 26-31, for our college and our community.
It’s worth every penny.
Chuck Becker, Mayor of Gresham
(This information furnished by Chuck Becker)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
We urge you to vote YES on Measure 26-31, the Mt. Hood Community College bond measure.
As the staff of Mt. Hood Community College, we see every day the critical needs necessary to protect the investment our community has made in establishing the college.
While providing educational opportunities for some 30,000 students every year, the college is in critical need of repairing and renovating campus buildings to upgrade technology, modernize classrooms and labs, fix leaking roofs, upgrade earthquake protection, safety and energy efficiency; deal with asbestos and improve handicap access.
Approving the funds to upgrade and renovate will help immeasurably in our main mission of providing educational opportunities for some 30,000 students every year.
We know how important it is for them to acquire the necessary skills and training to compete in the job market for top wages.
That’s why we support Measure 26-31 and urge you to vote YES.
David Buell
President,
MHCC Classified Employees
(This information furnished by David Buell, MHCC Classified Employees)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
We urge you to vote YES on Measure 26-31 for Mt. Hood Community College bonds. The improvements this measure will provide to the college are critical to the future economic health of our communities.
Because of the presence of Mt. Hood Community College, we in East County have been fortunate to attract employers seeking skilled, trained workers. As the economy begins its recovery, the demand for these workers will only increase while expanding in such areas as biotechnology.
The education and training provided by Mt. Hood Community College is critical to attracting the businesses that provide family wage jobs in our communities.
The plan for a University Center to enable our young people to obtain bachelor’s degrees without leaving the area is an exciting prospect. Not only will higher education be more affordable for our families, we can expect that these college graduates will stay in the area, find family wage jobs and contribute to the rapidly growing economy.
The University Center is just part of the package this bond measure will provide for the community.
We have made a tremendous investment in the college in recent decades. Now is the time to protect that investment by updating and renovating the campus buildings. The bonds also will provide money for updating technology and modernizing classrooms and lab facilities.
That’s why we are supporting Measure 26-31 and strongly urging you to vote YES on Measure 26-31. Your vote can help keep our economy vital in the 21st century, while providing family wage jobs.
Carol Nielsen-Hood
President, Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce
Dave West,
President, Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce
(This information furnished by Carol Nielson-Hood and David S. West, Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
The Full-time Faculty Association at Mt. Hood Community College supports Measure 26-31.
We are proud to serve over 30,000 of our local citizens every year, who attend our community college to continue their education, preparing for good, living wage jobs, as well as for transfer to four-year universities.
Our message is this:
- Mt. Hood Community College cannot continue for long to offer quality education in aging, inadequate facilities.
- Students deserve an education in facilities that meet the high standards of the workplace. Our classrooms and laboratories are incredibly outdated.
- Our library does not meet the needs of our students. In fact, the inadequacy of the library has been questioned during the college’s accreditation process.
A yes vote on Measure 26-31 will:
- Upgrade existing college buildings, including replacing leaking roofs.
- Improve the library with space for more materials.
- Provide for a University Center, giving students the opportunity to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree without leaving the area.
- Provide more classrooms and bring up-to-date technology to existing classrooms and laboratories.
Mt. Hood Community College is a tremendous resource for the people of our area. Please help protect out community’s investment in the college by voting YES on Measure 26-31.
Vern Porter,
President,
Full-Time Faculty Association at MHCC
(This information furnished by Vern Porter, Full-time Faculty Association at MHCC)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
Measure 26-31 | Mt. Hood Community College
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
As someone who grew up in what we used to call “East County” and graduated from Centennial High School, I’ve seen a lot of changes.
Gresham is no longer a little town, but the 4th largest city in Oregon. Cities like Troutdale and Fairview are like nothing I would have imagined as a grade school student. But no change has been more important than the establishment and growth of Mt. Hood Community College. MHCC has played a major role in the education of thousands of students and the very identity of our community.
At a time of rapid change and the highest unemployment in the country, we need Mt. Hood Community College more than ever. Unfortunately, it has been years since we’ve made any significant investment in the college.
The good news is that for modest investment, the college can serve as the launching pad for the next round of development and training opportunities. The funding from Measure 26-31 will do great things such as bring a University Center to Mt. Hood Community College; establish a new library; and pay for repair and renovation of buildings. This will mean that we can bring the academic excellence from Oregon’s public universities to MHCC and preserve the the past investment we’ve made.
Please join me, in supporting Measure 26-31 not just for your children’s future, but for your future.
Everybody wins with Mt. Hood Community College.
Earl Blumenauer
(This information furnished by Blumenauer for Congress)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.