MCCC BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOTES TO CREATE PAC

Sandy Cutler - September 20, 2002 

On Friday, September 20th, the MCCC Board of Directors voted to create a Political Action Committee or PAC. 

What is a PAC? 

A PAC is “any committee which receives contributions or makes expenditures for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of a candidate and which is not a candidates committee, a political party committee nor a ballot question committee.”

“A PAC does not contribute contributions for the sole purpose of elections, but rather a PAC represents a union in a professional, influential way. A PAC opens doors and provides access.” 

Why a PAC? 

The need to create a PAC was based on the belief that a PAC is an important element in building a strong, proactive union. 

Gone are the days when we believed that we could sit back and trust our legislators to vote and move forward legislation in our best interests. After all, we still believe, and rightfully so, that we are a part of the solution to building a strong economy. 

This union has evolved from a reactive, late in the day, crisis oriented organization to a proactive, hands-on, strong political force. This evolution did not occur overnight. We now recognize how important our involvement in state politics is.  

How did we arrive at this decision? 

To understand the decision to form a PAC we must look at the evolutionary process of political action in our union. We began as a committee, formed to evaluate our relationships and political connections in the legislature. Needless to say, some of our colleagues were very politically informed ...but most were not. We realized that we were true neophytes in the political arena. To answer the need, the SAC (Strategic Action Committee) was created. 

What role does SAC play in the MCCC? 

The mission of SAC is to be actively involved in the political process, to lobby our representatives and senators concerning our issues and to take a stand on elections and legislative initiatives. In fulfilling this charge, we are able to educate and involve all of our MCCC colleagues in the political process and political action. 

How did SAC begin the process of involving the membership in political action? 

We began holding campus breakfasts and luncheons with invited reps and senators. We asked all of you to participate in issues vital to the wellbeing of our college, higher education and the MCCC. 

The next step was to employ our own political lobbyist. We were fortunate to obtain the services of former speaker of the house, Charlie Flaherty. 

All of these actions became important when we needed funding for our classification study. Our political base is now strong and growing. Our political contacts, our lobbyist and you... made a difference when we were able to hold back the health insurance increase.

PAC The next step is here!

With the advice of Charlie Flaherty and the SAC steering committee we began a thorough investigation into the logistics and information gathering required for the development of an MCCC PAC. This information was carefully and methodically reviewed and brought to MCCC leadership committees. With the vote and consent of SAC, the MCCC Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors we have now moved forward to develop a PAC. This important step will enable us to become a strong, political organization in the political arena. We now have all of the pieces in place.

Where is a PAC in relation to the MCCC?

Our new Political Action Committee is an integral part of the MCCC. It is in essence, a valuable avenue that will be a powerful media for promoting the mission of the Strategic Action Committee (SAC). SAC will continue with its mission of political action and the PAC will be used to provide the funding necessary to compete in the arena of political influence.

PAC Immediate Goals

Now that we have formed our MCCC PAC, the goal is to elect a governor and legislators who are favorable to the issues and needs of higher education. The commitment to work diligently to fund all higher education contracts is essential. To fulfill this charge members should have an understanding that to energize the PAC there is a need to be financially sound. This will enable the mission to move forward. 

I hope that you are as excited as I am with this latest stage of growth and development of political strength in our union.