Joe Pugel of Newton has served our community and the entire DMACC area with ability and deep dedication for many years as a DMACC trustee. His board colleagues have repeatedly affirmed his leadership by selecting him to be their president. Joe is up for re-election on Sept. 11, the traditional date for Iowa School Board elections. Since no Newton district board posts are contested this year, we could be tempted just to ignore civic duty and stay home, but elections have consequences and this is no exception.
For many students and families, our two year colleges provide an advantageous and economical transition from high school to skilled employment or a full baccalaureate degree, along with service to both the traditional and the non-traditional student. We are so fortunate to have a DMACC campus right here.
Like many public entities, DMACC is facing some big challenges, including serious funding cuts from the legislature, but also some big opportunities. Locally, the former Maytag campus in downtown Newton has recently been given to Newton DMACC. The possibilities this opens to DMACC and its students, its programs, and consequentially to the economy of the city, county and area – even the state – are amazing.
Joe Pugel is a key person in the midst of all of this, interacting and negotiating with state officials and legislators, cities, school boards, colleges and businesses from small to large, all while being keenly aware of the DMACC students, their needs, and the operational aspects of the school. Joe describes himself as being “passionate“ about education, is deeply committed to DMACC, and he “knows the territory.” He does his homework and gets to the meetings. It is important to our community to keep him on the board at this intense and critical time.
Please join me in voting for him on Tuesday, Sept.12, by absentee ballot or at the polls in the Jasper County Community Building.
Joan Tyler
Newton
