Guy Watts, Hector "Coach" Salinas and Sandra Longoria Messbarger are all running for the At-Large position on the Del Mar College Board of Regents.
The following questions were posed by the League of Women Voters board and submitted by candidates via Vote411.org. Candidate responses are reprinted verbatim and are not edited.
Guy Watts
Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.
Educated at Ray High School (Student Body President and State Champion in Oration), Del Mar College (Class President, Class Favorite, Hall of Fame, Swim Team Co-Captain), University of Texas BA/JD. TAMU-Kingsville BS/MA, Texas Tech University/WU Ph.D in Government. Del Mar Regent 1988-2018 as an 'academic students advocate' for academic students from Padre Island to Calallen, advocate of Southside Academic Campus, submitted ten academic proposals/ten East Campus proposals, created Watts Foundation for Del Mar Graduates, and proposed 'plant management courses' for Jobs Programs.
What measures, if any, can Regents take to manage student debt?
When the Republican Party took control of the Texas legislature one of the first actions was to 'de-regulate' student tuition costs with legislators honestly convinced that tuition costs would go lower whereas costs have accelerated tremendously; e.g., UT Law School tuition is $42,000.00. As a result 'student debts' have risen enormously and have overwhelmed graduates adult lives. Concerned state Republican leaders need re-establish 'tuition control' in Texas. And national leaders need to elevate Pell Grants to graduate school level so we can 'maximize students education'.
With development of the Del Mar College Southside campus, how will duplication of services and class offerings be addressed?
Del Mar College is moving forward to prepare academic students with a basis for graduate school. In 2011, I drafted a Resolution to create a Southside Academic Campus for 'academic students'. It was adopted by the Southside Business Council, PIBA ,FBBA, NWBA, and later by the Southside Leadership Council. In response, our outstanding President Dr. Mark Escamilla, who also has developed well 'Jobs Programs', proposed a public bond issue that was adopted by voters. By 2020, the first phase of the Southside Campus will be built with focus on 'STEM':science, technology, engineering, and math.
Hector "Coach" Salinas
Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.
First, I believe anyone running for an office must love his or her community, and I do. I raised my family in the coastal bend community because I believe in our educational systems and the opportunities they afford the residents. My children, grandchildren and I are graduates of Corpus Christi Independent School District and they have attended Del Mar College. I have over 50-years of experience working in the community and different levels of education – middle, high school and collegiate. I work well with parents, students and the community. I strongly advocate for educators; I am a teacher and I understand the interests, concerns, and issues we face. I have extensive experience in working with budgets, managing teams and staff, volunteers, board of directors and community members. I am a goal-oriented person with strong leadership capabilities. I am highly motivated and detail-oriented. I obtained my diploma from Mary Carroll High School in 1962
What measures, if any, can Regents take to manage student debt?
Student debt is a big concern nationwide. In the Coastal Bend community, we want to make sure we take care of our students and provide every opportunity for them to succeed post-secondary. High schools do a great job of promoting post-secondary education and I commend them for that. We, as a community, must continue to build relationships with our administrators, counselors, and parents. In building those relationships, we can ensure our students and parents are informed of all financial assistance that is available. There are scholarships, work-study programs, financial aid, loans, and internships available for our students and we must take an active role in educating our community. We mut dig deeper, not wider. Del Mar College is a competitive college with much to offer and we must continue to promote the programs of study available on each of our campuses.
With development of the Del Mar College Southside campus, how will duplication of services and class offerings be addressed?
I am excited to see that Del Mar College is accessible to our community in various locations. Equity and consistency in providing class offerings and services is vital to the success of ALL learners. Our community is growing and so are the opportunities for our young people. I believe every student should have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and develop into a productive member of our community. We have a responsibility to our youth to promote learning and provide the arenas within which the learning may occur.
Sandra Longoria Messbarger
Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.
My credentials include attending Del Mar College for two years. Received a Bachelors' degree from Texas A&I in Music Education and a Masters in Educational Administration from TAMUCC. I taught choir/ music for over 25 years and served as a principal in Grades K-5/ 9-12.. Served as Executive Secretary for The Texas Music Educators Association in Austin for years and was elected and have served as Del Mar Regent at Large since 2012. I am member of Kingsville Investment Club, Past President of Woman's Club of Kingsville and Garden Club. I am marred to Dick Messbarger and live Padre Island.
What measures, if any, can Regents take to manage student debt?
Students Debt concerns us all. 60% of Del Mar students work jobs while attending college. There are two major government programs that assist students with their college expense. The Federal governments Pell Grants and the state's SGOE. Both of these grant programs do not have to be paid back. Military , veterans and their families also have an opportunity to attend college without any cost. Our own Del Mar Foundation provides scholarship monies that are awarded to students without reimbursement. The average age of a Del Mar student is 27. An emergency fund is also made available.
With development of the Del Mar College Southside campus, how will duplication of services and class offerings be addressed?
The planning of the south campus is both exciting and daunting. The core and development programs will be taught at this location and all student services such as financial are, registrar, counseling and food services. A beautiful new library will be available not just to the students but also for the community. The Culinary Arts program will be located there and will be a great addition to the neighborhood. The Architectural Design program will be moved from the Wes campus and a new Applied Construction certificate will be started on the south campus. Bus service will be available.
Stay connected with 3News for the latest news, sports, and weather. Download the KIII-TV 3News app now.
Have an idea for a story? Send news tips to news@kiiitv.com, and visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!