Please let me introduce myself, I’m Joe Skibinski. I am asking for your support on April 9^th in my efforts to join the Board of Trustees at Moraine Valley Community College. I am seeking to fill a two year term that was recently filled by appointment.

Everyone understands the importance of a strong education that provides them with the solid skills necessary for a job, trade or business today. The hard part is delivering it at a price that the student and taxpayer can afford. MVCC is a tremendous and affordable asset for our community. Unlike the large universities downstate or downtown, MVCC students remain in our community long after graduation. Their better lives strengthen our communities, bettering our lives in the process. Many would not be able to learn a trade, retrain for a new career or even consider college if it were not for this institution. I want to make sure that no one’s dreams are ever destroyed for the want of affordable tuition. Furthermore, I want to make sure that you, the taxpayer, get the most for your tax dollar.

I grew up in Oak Lawn. I graduated from Richards, Loyola and DePaul. I’ve spent the majority of my life in a classroom on either side of that desk. My interest in learning attracted me to my now expiring term as an Oak Lawn Library Trustee. During my two years there we have added summer Sunday hours during the depths of our recession so residents could use our computer center to look for work. We’ve invested in innovative technology to keep our future costs and taxes in check. We’ve expanded services to junior high school patrons, keeping good habits intact when so many new distractions are entering their lives. We’ve expanded our programming and outreach efforts. We are even a leading participant in the Chicago Federal Reserve’s “Money Smart Week” program for consumer education. The Oak Lawn Library and it’s staff are a cornerstone in our strong community.

I am a Licensed Certified Public Accountant with DeMarco Sciaccotta Wilkens and Dunleavy in Oak Brook. Our practice focuses on financial audits and corporate tax. The numbers really do matter. Before that I was in the futures industry downtown and worked on the floor at the Chicago Merc. I understand risk. However, my passion is education. Over the last 25 years I have taught accounting and finance classes as an adjunct faculty member at Saint Xavier University, University of Phoenix and most recently Governors State University.

I see so much potential in the future of MVCC, for local residents, businesses and students. I would like see MVCC more directly involved in the community, expand their industrial arts programs, which are a mainstay of our community’s future and make their credit and noncredit classes even more accessible and affordable, for everyone. Everyone has dreams, regardless of your age, occupation or circumstances. Whether you are a student, a mid-life career changer, retiree or a local entrepreneur, let’s make those dreams real!

Please come and meet me Friday, March 8^th from 6:30 to 10:00pm at the Oak Lawn VFW at 9514 S. 52^nd Street (across from the tracks). Please join us for some beer, wine and pizza. All I ask are your ideas and a little support. I hope to see you and your friends there!             

           joeformvcc@yahoo.com or 708-529-1182