Richard unopposed in race for Board place 4

There are three board of trustee places up for election this year, and anyone interested in running could have applied to be a candidate in any of the three places. The places are "At-Large," which means they do not represent a specific area. Four candidates chose to run for place 5, and three for place 6.

Nobody chose to run against incumbent Jeffrey Richard for place 4.

"It seems to me they made an observation that I could serve the college well," said Richard. "I am humbled and honored that I am unopposed this term."

Six years ago Richard was not running alone.  He said he wanted to be on the board because he had a vision, a purpose, and a plan.

"The vision was that ACC could rise to become a true core institution in this community," said Richard.

Richard has seen the school grow over the last six years.

"I know that ACC is a high quality institution. It is not a junior college, It is a community college," said Richard. "I know that this region is in good hands. I know that intelligence and rigor is extolled and celebrated at each one of our campuses."

During his next six-year term Richard hopes to see more school districts join ACC. He explained that when a district joins ACC, the students pay one-third the tuition that students pay outside the district. This motivation is currently bringing areas into ACC.

"There is more of that to be done, and I want to be helpful there," said Richard.

Richards explained that economics requires the allocation of scarce resources, and as property taxes begin to reflect the economic crash and revenue declines, it will be his responsibility to suggest how to maintain programs, supplies and technology.

"It's when things are tougher and choices have to be made, that economic skill set background becomes more important," said Richard. "It is not a skill set that I need to learn on this board, it's a skill set that I have brought to the board."

When Richard was born, neither of his parents could vote because they were black.

"They were outstanding community citizens, but they couldn't vote," said Richard.

Content of character seemed to be a better tool for differentiating people than how they looked, Richard said.  He became interested in policy and politics because of the laws that separated his parents from civil rights.

"I realized the society I was growing up in was putting a lid on progression because of how a person looked, and that didn't make much sense to me," said Richard.

Richard said he hopes he will be remembered as an engaged board member who was prepared for the meetings, respected the staff and administration, was not afraid to ask question for clarification, make tough decisions and to celebrate as easily as critique.

"I hope I'm remembered as a thoughtful leader who respected the institution and loved it," said Richard.

Along the way he has received advice from friends.

"A good friend of mine said I want to be remembered as a trustee that you can trust.  I love that," said Richard.