Brian Koegle, a local attorney, COC alum, and conservative Signal columnist is running for COC Board. You know, the five member Board of Trustees that helps manage COC resources, overlooks the work of/gets out of the way of Supreme Chancellor Dianne Van Hook, and generally watches over the best-run public institution in Santa Clarita.
But to watch his campaign video, you’d think he’s about to take us into battle. Seriously, the ominous soundtrack is straight out of a Michael Bay film:
All that’s missing is a stern background voice saying, “In these troubled times, we need proven leadership to defeat the enemy at the gates. ONE MAN STANDS ABOVE ALL OTHERS.”
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Intense! The waving American flag (as well as the ‘battle’ music) makes me wonder if he has greater ambitions other then just sitting on a college board?
This will be a test of the current state of Santa Clarita politics. Michael Berger has been around FOREVER and probably knows enought people to actually get him elected. Brian Koegle looks like a slimmer version of Frank Ferry; the bright upstart that wants to put his mark on local politics for future ambition.
I have to give the edge to Berger, but one never knows.
(PS: That is the Transformers soundtrack in the background.)
Is this a race for a community college board or for command of the Death Star?
I agree with Jeff, this is the best run local institution, and more than that, it’s widely recognized as one of, if not the best run community college in California. Berger seems like a perfect fit to continue in the spirit that got us this far. Literally everyone I talk to who works with, at or interfaces with the college is excited about Berger. So let’s hope.
Koegle’s probably a nice guy, but I think a seat on the board is too important to act as a stepping stone for someone’s political ambitions. I think if you throw another partisan onto this board, you could have a real loss of morale and momentum.
Berger is running for the COC Board because of his past association with the college. Koegle became involved with COC in order to set himself up to run for the board. We’ve already got one board member there who is just using it as a springboard for higher office and is essentially otherwise uninvolved. A second would be a disaster.
“(PS: That is the Transformers soundtrack in the background.)”
Wonder what he’ll transform into?
Actually, now it’s kind of creepy knowing that bit of info.
Interesting. Cameron has endorsed Berger.
It’s a tough business dealing with the war zone that is community college politics!!
The faculty association and COC Trustee Ernie Tichenor have endorsed Berger.
has anyone seen the new series ‘Community’?
BK: Sounded more like the PotC theme,but I have a tendancy towards pirates.
Ivogel: Chevy Chase is Back!
This is from The Signal:
“CSEA (California School Employees Association) feels strongly that during these challenging economic times, it is crucial that Trustees are qualified and have a record that demonstrates a willingness to be open and listen to the perspectives of all interests who share the goal of to providing quality education for our community. Mike Berger is such a person.
A partial list of Berger’s other endorsers include Assemblyman Cameron Smyth; County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich; Mayor Pro-Tem Laurene Weste; Councilman Bob Kellar; Councilwoman Marsha McLean; Bill Kennedy, SCV Chamber of Commerce President; Bruce Fortine, College the Canyons Trustee; Ernie Tichenor, College of the Canyons Trustee; Dennis King, Wm. S. Hart Union High School District Trustee; Gloria Mecado-Fortine, Wm. S. Hart Union High School District Trustee; James M. Gibson, Castaic Union School District Superintendent; Santa Clarita Valley Congress of Republicans; the College of Canyons Faculty Association.”
Publius:
You notice that Koegle said “supported” not endorsed. Perhaps a fine legal distinction.
true to form, Smyth and Antonovich endorsed both candidates.
Koegle doesn’t appear to have the clear support of any notable SCV people except Scott Wilk. Makes you go hmmmmmm…..
In all of brian’s column inches over the years in the signal, how many were made up of original thoughts about COC?
Perhaps Tim. But it seems to me it implied an endorsement where there was none.
I heard smyth endorsed both. i don’t think it was the first time. makes no sense
Endorsing both candidates? God bless Cameron but in Iowa we had a special term for that and it started with “chicken.”
On a more serious note, COC is the perfect stepping stone to higher political office because it is well regarded and every elected trustee will take credit, even though they are riding on Chancellor Van Hook’s coattails.
The question is, Tim, do you want to let it become one. That is what this election is about.
Publius:
I am not “down” with that so I voted for Berger.
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