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RCC supporters remind voters to turn in ballots By DANI DODGE Mail Tribune Lauren Spector hadn't worked for 14 years when she lost her trust fund and had to start sending out resumes. She quickly found the only companies willing to hire her were fast food restaurants and telemarketing firms. "So I gritted my teeth and went back to school at age 55," Spector said. "I have disabilities, and when I was in school before, the teachers would call me stupid, but teachers at (Rogue Community College) have taught me I can face these challenges. "I've never felt such support before." So on Saturday, Spector - who wants to be an assistant to the director of a nonprofit agency - was one of dozens of volunteers who tried to help RCC pass a bond measure by getting on the phone and reminding voters to turn in their ballots. Tuesday is the last day for voters to drop off their ballots for the primary election. Among the many issues and races on the ballot is Measure 17-85, RCC's $40 million bond measure. Jackson County's RCC enrollment is expected to nearly double by 2010, and the money would be used to create new facilities and programs to train people for the jobs of the future. If the bond measure is approved, the 20-year bond would tack 25 cents annually on each $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $37.50 on a typical $150,000 house. But to pass, 50 percent of voters must turn in their ballots, and a majority of those must approve the measure. As of Thursday, only 21 percent of Jackson County's voters had turned in their ballots. But enthusiasm was high at the five locations where volunteers worked the phones to get out the vote. "We're going to make it," predicted RCC President Rick Levine, who rallied the troops in Medford. "It's just one of those elections that people are undecided about some races, and it has nothing to do with us. "We'll go right through to the end, and we'll make that double majority." Francine Bailey, an English as a second language teacher in the Medford school district, volunteered to make calls Saturday at First American Title because she believes the effort can make a difference. "I have been involved with phone banks before with our own district, and I've seen them be very successful," Bailey said. "RCC has done wonders for so many people, and as it grows, it will provide opportunities for even more." Terri Bish, a North Medford High School Spanish teacher, took time from her weeding to volunteer on the phones. "RCC is a valuable entity that this community really needs," she explained. "It improves our community by giving people more opportunities for better jobs." If the $40 million bond measure passes, the school will build a $22 million, 200,000-square-foot technical facility in White City that would offer courses ranging from truck-driver training to manufacturing. The remaining $18 million would create a unified downtown Medford campus, providing 185,000 square feet of space for students taking academic programs such as humanities, science, health and computers. Spector, the student who has benefited so much from RCC, said the new campuses will make going to school easier. "And it's important because then the school can help more people like me," Spector said, "and other people who love school but can't afford college." Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.