University of Michigan Regents

University of Michigan Regents
Eight-Year Term - Vote for Two (2)

Q1) What is the role of universities in preparing students for the job market?
Q2) What measures will you support to increase the quality of your university in spite of State funding cuts?
Q3) Why are you the best candidate for the position?

Patrick Anderson, Republican
Patrick Anderson is the founder of the consulting firm Anderson Economic Group, and a prize-winning author of over 90 published works. Patrick Anderson previously served as deputy budget director for the State of Michigan, where he helped implement “Proposal A,” and as chief of staff for the Michigan Department of State. He also authored the Term Limit Amendment to the Michigan Constitution. Patrick, his wife, and their three children live in mid-Michigan

1) The primary role of our universities is to provide a firm grounding in literature, history, mathematics, and science; knowledge of the world’s culture and great religions; and an appreciation of the principles on which the United States of America was founded. The Board of Regents must be accountable to the citizens for a curriculum based on scholarship, which prepares students for both citizenship today and the knowledge-based jobs of tomorrow.

2) My background as an economist and former budget official for the State will help the University make the difficult management decisions to stretch dollars farther, and to avoid wasting money. In addition, I believe the elected Board of Regents should be willing to take a public position defending our higher education institutions-including Wayne State, Michigan State, the University of Michigan, and other colleges-and their importance to the State’s economy and future.

3) Citizens should demand accountability from their elected university trustees. Republican candidate Carl Meyers and I have adopted an accountability agenda to ensure that the Board of Regents takes a public vote, after a public debate, on major issues. As part of that accountability agenda, I’ll ensure that the board takes a public vote on the admissions policy, and will advocate for fair, open admissions based on merit. I’ll also advocate for a stronger core curriculum.

Carl Meyers, Republican
Carl Meyers is a 1979 graduate of the University of Michigan where he majored in Business Administration. Carl has worked in the field of finance for over 22 years and is presently a Senior Vice President of Investments for the firm of Raymond James and Associates. In counseling families on personal finance he’s seen the challenges Michigan families are facing in funding college education. Carl and his wife reside in Dearborn with their 3 children.

1) I believe that the academic mission of the University of Michigan is to prepare students to compete in a fiercely competitive global economy. The preparedness comes from experiences gained both inside and outside the classroom. The University should provide a dynamic learning environment where students learn and grow intellectually, academically, socially and emotionally. Upon graduation, they will be equipped to enter the workforce with the skills to excel and lead in their chosen fields.

2) Funding the academic mission presents the greatest challenge for UofM. It is imperative to protect the academic integrity of the University, while not placing a burden on families in the form of excessive tuition increases. As a public institution, the University has a responsibility to provide financial access to students from all walks of life. The University must exercise fiscal discipline, eliminate waste and look for innovative ways to fund the academic mission.

3) My extensive experience in finance gives me the skill-set necessary to address the University’s financial challenges. I’ll work to ensure financial access to the University for all citizens; in contrast to the Democratic incumbents, where we’ve seen tuition costs to increase by over 40% on their watch. I will pledge, along with fellow Republican nominee, Patrick Anderson, to be accountable to the citizens of Michigan for all policy and governance on the Board of Regents.

Olivia P. Maynard, Democrat
Olivia Maynard received her B.A. from George Washington University, her M.S.W. U. of Michigan. She serves as U of M Regent. Libby is President of the Michigan Prospect. Elected two terms as Chair of the Michigan Democrats, served as Director of the State Aging Office, taught at Michigan universities. She ran for Lt. Governor with Governor James Blanchard. Board service; C.S. Mott Foundation, Council of Michigan Foundations, Council on Foundations, Planned Parenthood, McLaren Medical Center.

1) Each university has its own unique mission whatever its specific goal-oriented programs offer. However, all students in higher education must be prepared for the job market in the 21st Century by developing intellectual and social skills within a diverse academic environment. The skills should include the ability to analyze critically, interpret and communicate the results of their studies, utilizing the latest technology to reach these objectives.

2) The University’s 2.5 billion dollar capital campaign will be focused on raising funds for student financial support, endowing faculty positions as well as strengthening our infrastructure. The Life Sciences Institute, as it develops, will improve the academic climate. We are also committed to improving undergraduate education while continuing to support internationally recognized research. The recruitment of the finest faculty will continue.

3) The U of M is a dynamic research and teaching institution: a world class public institution. It takes a significant part of the first term of office to understand the intricacies and complexities of its operations. I believe I have reached this understanding about the University. My life experiences in the political world, in state government and my present service in the non-profit arena, give me a unique perspective on the realities of maintaining this remarkable university.

S. Martin Taylor, Democrat
Taylor, 64, is executive VP of DTE Energy responsible for HR, communications, and government affairs. He has served as president of New Detroit, Inc., director of both the MDOL and MESC, Chairman of the Council of Michigan Foundations, The Arts League of Michigan, president of the Detroit Zoo, board member of MEDC, BCBS of Michigan and a Life Member of the NAACP. BS degree from WMU and a law degree from DCL.

1) Universities are an integral part of our education system for job seekers. The direct relationship between educational attainment and economic success are clear and direct. Universities also play a key role in research and technology transfer which create jobs. Universities must understand that it may be a great research center, but it must also prepare students for the world of work. The fundamentals of each discipline must remain a central core of their instructional curriculum.

2) It is critical to not allow the University to use cuts in state funding as an excuse for not maintaining academic standards. Regents must ensure that the U of M works diligently to reduce costs. We must keep service to our students first in budget priorities. We must be very active and vocal with our executive and legislative branches of state government regarding the critical need to maintain Michigan higher education system.

3) My diverse work experience and education uniquely qualifies me. I understand the complex governance role of the Board of Regents in setting policy, selecting the President and ensuring that the administration is responsive to the needs of its students and parents. Finally, I have been effective in insuring that the University operates with the highest degree of integrity and transparency which should always be the hallmark of a public institution.

Nathaniel Damren, Green
I am 21 years old and beginning my fourth year at the University of Michigan, majoring in Honor’s History and pursuing secondary teacher certification in History and French. I am currently employed as a dishwasher at the Alice Lloyd Hall cafeteria on campus.

1) In a world economy characterized by the globalization of production and the importance of communication and information technology, the comparative advantage of workers is increasingly derived from their education, from the knowledge and skills they possess. Universities can and should facilitate the preparation of students for the globalized job market by mandating computer literacy and encouraging the study of foreign languages. That being said, universities should not neglect the importance of a liberal arts education...

2) The current system of capping tuition increases at the rate of inflation artificially prices tuition well below its market value in an effort to ostensibly help low-income students. However, the result of this policy is a veritable subsidy for students from high-income families and a budget situation that forces the University to rely on its own resources to offer scholarships and financial aid. I propose that the University charge market rates for tuition while simultaneously...

3) I believe that I am the best candidate because I have experienced the administration of the University of Michigan from the perspective of both a student and an employee, and because through my own pursuit of teaching certification, I demonstrate my concern for and commitment to improving thequality of education in the state of Michigan.

Karen Adams, US Taxpayers
Did not respond in time for publication

Joe Sanger, US Taxpayers
Married to Gloria J. (Whyde) Sanger for the past 44 years. Daughter, Sally Cangelosi, 2 grandchildren. BA University of Michigan, June 1958. MBA (with highest distinction) University of Michigan, December 1966. Self employed CPA for the past 34 years. Treasurer: Pro-Life Michigan; U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan; Constitution Party National Committee; Save Our Homes & Jobs, Tisch for Michigan Committee; Tisch Independent Citizens Party; TABOR 94, The Taxpayers Bill of Rights Committee

1) To provide an education at a reasonable price. In the fall of 1955 LSA in-state tuition was $100/semester. Fall 2004 tuition is $4007, an increase of 3907%. The price of a 1st class postage stamp has gone up from 3 cents to 37 cents an increase of only 1133%. Over 49 years the price of a University of Michigan education has increased at nearly 3 1/2 times the rate of inflation.

2) A. Operate on a full time basis with a full complement of students for 3 semesters/year.
B. Require all faculty members to teach in the classroom at least 30 hours/week for 3 semesters/year.
C. Implement the proposals set forth in my article, “Higher Education in America-Ripping Off the Kids for Fun & Profit”. See my website “votejoesanger.com” open September 20th.

3) Politician control of the education industry has led inevitably to uncontrolled costs, unconscionable price increases and diminished educational quality. Many graduates have never read the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States, but most have been heavily indoctrinated in the collectivist ideology of the state sponsored pagan religion of “political correctness”. I support the strict separation of school and state. I will sell the University of Michigan to the highest bidder.

Michael R. Corliss, Libertarian
Did not respond in time for publication

James Lewis Hudler, Libertarian
A 52-year-old male, I was born in Jackson County and am a lifetime resident of Michigan. I hold an AS degree from Jackson Community College and a BS from the U of M, and I’ve done graduate work at the U of M and EMU. I’m a member of several U of M alumni organizations and I’m advisor to the U of M College Libertarians student organization. I’m employed as a clinical laboratory scientist at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor.

1) The University of Michigan has an essential role in preparing its students for the job market. To this purpose the University of Michigan must maintain high standards and strict admissions. I will work to end so-called “Affirmative Action,” a racist, degrading system.

2) The University of Michigan should be privatized now. In place of accepting funds confiscated from taxpayers, the University should seek private donations and corporate funding.

3) The University of Michigan is the best university in the nation. Its reputation should not depend on the vagaries of State of Michigan tax funding. Rather, it should become a private institution.

Mary F. Debusschere, Natural Law Party
Did not respond in time for publication

VOTE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2004