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Regarding WCJC Automotive Department

Letter to the Editor:

There was a time when the local college (WCJC) would help those in need or of insufficient means (by repairing their vehicles). You were responsible for the cost of parts and a $10 shop fee. You needed patience and understanding because not all repairs could be done in a timely manner but if anything went wrong they gladly rectified the problem. What a great service (the college) was providing for its community.

Unfortunately this time came to an end; a very costly end to my situation and a few others that I have been made aware of by the mechanic shop.

My vehicle went in the fall semester of 2005. At this time it was my brother's vehicle. He gave me his vehicle because he was dying. He died in May of 2006 and I became responsible for the repairs. So starts my long journey of ups and downs, twist and turns, and a vehicle that finally came out of the automotive program in the fall semester of 2007 on a trailer with almost $1,500 in missing, damaged and destroyed parts. This does not include almost $700 dollars in labor.

When I was able to take my vehicle to a local mechanic shop for repairs I (was informed) of all that happened while my vehicle was at (the college). I had already had issues with (the college) previously for parts to my car being stolen, lost or thrown away. No one could truthfully tell me what happened to these parts and the only way I did find out that something was wrong was because of the students. I tried speaking to the automotive instructor (my brother Ruben Hernandez), who was able to tell me that I would have to talk to the Automotive Head.

The Automotive Head spoke to me maybe four times and he was very hostile. He would not return any of my calls or respond to any of my messages. On those occasions I had to go directly to the Vice President of (the college) and after great pressure the Head of the Automotive Department finally authorized the purchase of the missing front CV axles and the entire exhaust system at a price estimated at $650.

So again my vehicle was assembled and repaired or so I was told. No, it did not happen; my vehicle came out and it would not even start. I have since tried to come to some sort of amicable resolution to this problem and have contacted the Division Head of this department to no avail. When they finally did contact me it was to say they do not feel responsible for what happened to my vehicle while it was in their possession.

This experience is going to cost me about $3,000.

Some people may think I am trying to get something for nothing but I only want them to own up to their responsibility and liability in this matter. Sincerely,

Rita Hernandez

Wharton

Wharton County Junior College Response to Letter to the Editor Submitted by Rita Hernandez

We at Wharton County Junior College take our responsibility on behalf of the college's Automotive Technology Department very seriously. As such, we are conducting an internal investigation regarding the allegations made by Rita Hernandez (please see related letter to editor) in reference to her vehicle.

The Automotive Technology Department provides automotive repair services to the community for a $10 service fee. The college does not charge a labor fee for its services. It is the responsibility of the customer to pay for vehicle repair parts.

As part of the program, students gain valuable hands-on work experience by providing repair services to the community. These work-place experiences are recommended by the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS).

The Automotive Technology Program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Educational Foundation (NATEF) and is Automotive Service Excellence Certified (ASE) in eight areas of automotive repair.

Zina L. Carter WCJC Director of Marketing and Communications