LWVKA 2010 Voter Guide

Provide biographical information, including your qualifications for a seat on the University Board and the reasons you are running. (100-word limit)
What are the two most pressing issues facing this university today and what is your position on those issues? (100-word limit)
What role should the university play in the economic development of the state of Michigan? (100-word limit)

Diane Dunaskiss
Republican
Did not respond in time for publication.

Danialle Karmanos
Republican, www.daniallekarmanos.com

I graduated from WSU with a degree in journalism and shortly thereafter pursued a career as a video producer. My real passion however, is community outreach and development. In 2005, I founded Danialle Karmanos’Work It Out, as well as Kids and Cancer, two children centered community programs in the metro-Detroit area. As a graduate of WSU, and having spent most of my life in Michigan, I understand the challenges and growing needs of the University. I will be a voice for conservative principles, and stay focused on pursuing what is best for the University throughout my tenure on the board.
Two Most Pressing Issues: (a) Ensuring WSU gets a fair share when it comes to state appropriations. (b) Making sure the money being spent is spent wisely, while enhancing the experience of students at WSU.
Many graduates of state universities leave Michigan upon graduation.That is a lost investment to the Michigan economy. I would like to see WSU make greater inroads into the community through student programs, community service projects and educational outreach, which will impact the development of the area and creates a connection between the local community and the students. This creates a greater incentive for students to they remain in the Detroit-metro area upon graduation.

Edward Bruley
Democratic, www.edbruley.com

My work experience includes being a member of Macomb County Board of Commissioners, 2007–2010; Co-chair, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Committee 2009–2010; a University Lecturer, 2002–2007; and part of Congressman David Bonior’s Management Team, 1977–2001. I hold degrees from MCC, GVSU and the University of Windsor. I seek to serve on Wayne State’s Board of Governors because I believe it plays a special role in the success of the Metro Detroit it possible for thousands of graduates to emerge as the leaders in our region by making a higher education possible for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Providing a higher education that is affordable and second to none, and increasing graduation rates of all who enroll must be high priorities. In the midst of these tough times, employers say that future job expansions will be in areas that require highly skilled workers. That means that education is the surest course to economic security, both for individuals and for our community. If we are going to attract new, well-paying jobs to our community we need to boost our educational opportunities today.
Every institution in Michigan must increase their economic development efforts. As co-chair of Macomb County’s Planning and Economic Development Committee, I have witnessed the skilled and varied approach Wayne State takes in its economic development efforts. I want to work with Wayne State University to expand its strength as a research institution. Research Universities have the unique ability to create new ideas, incubate emerging sectors and spin off the start-ups that will create the jobs of tomorrow. Universities are to the knowledge-based economy what auto plants are to our manufacturing base. Both need to be supported by the community.

Brenda Moon
Democratic, brendamoon4wsuboardofgovernors.com

Like my mother and father, I graduated from Wayne State University. I am currently a National AFL-CIO Senior Field Representative; my prior experience includes being Assistant Director, National AFL-CIO Education Department and an Instructor, National Labor College. I believe that every young person should be able to reach their full potential, and that some adults realize their educational goals later in life. WSU provides the place that happens. After working on campaigns for many years I decided it was time to step forward to help ensure Wayne State University remains accessible to working families at all stages of life.
Access and excellence—In the current environment, budget issues are a top concern and affect everything. We limit access to higher education with tuition increases and state cuts to financial aid. WSU must examine the budget, eliminate waste and inefficiencies and think creatively about how we provide educational opportunities to students. We must hold tuition increases as a last resort. The state legislature must come to terms with the structural budget deficit. We need an educational funding system that provides adequate, stable and fair funding in order for WSU and all universities to provide our students an excellent education.
I believe Wayne State University is one of the most valuable resources for economic development and jobs in our state. It provides excellent education for both young people starting on a career path and older workers who need to upgrade their skills or want to pursue a new career. In addition, the research going on at WSU has the potential to directly convert into products, services and jobs. As WSU Governor I want to make sure the University is a driver for that economic development as well as continuing to provide an excellent education.

James Arnoldi
Green
Did not respond in time for publication.

Margaret Guttshall
Green, www.margaretguttshall.com

I worked as a waitress, assembler, machine operator, clerk, typesetter, reference assistant, and librarian. I helped organize a UAW union at WSU. I attended the University of Chicago, Roosevelt University, and WSU where I got a Master’s in Library Science. I was hit by an 18-wheel truck, got a brain injury and spent two months in a coma. These experiences have made me very sensitive to the needs of young people, students, workers, and the disabled. I want to be on the Board of Governors to express these needs and work for WSU to meet them.
Money and the attitude of young people and workers on how to get the money are the most pressing issues. The billionaires do not want to give money for public education. Young people, students, workers and oppressed people think this can be changed simply by electing different people to public office. The Board of Governors needs to build the movement for “Money for jobs and education, not for war!” We need mass meetings, demonstrations, strikes and independent working class and popular election campaigns.
Right now the billionaires completely control the economy in Michigan and throughout the world. So the only role that the university can play is building a movement of young people, workers, and other oppressed people for “Money for jobs and education, not for war!” Right now more than 50% of our tax money goes to the Pentagon and making war on Iraq and Afghanistan. Only a mass movement can change this. Eventually, the workers and oppressed people will have to be in charge of the economy. Bring all U.S. troops home now!

Bill Mohr II
US Taxpayers
Did not respond in time for publication.

Patty Senneker
US Taxpayers
Did not respond in time for publication.

Nicole Michalak
Libertarian, www.lpwm.org/NicoleMichalak
Did not respond in time for publication.

Gregory Scott Stempfle
Libertarian, http://www.lpwm.org/GregoryStempfle

I have been both an employee and a student at Wayne State. I earned bachelor’s degrees in Biology (2000) and Clinical Laboratory Sciences (2008) from the University. I also spend a great deal of time in the in the downtown Detroit area. Having an intimate knowledge of the school and its surroundings gives me a unique perspective of the issues facing students.
The top issue facing students and the university is controlling the cost of tuition. I would like to better focus University resources and streamline bureaucracy. The University cannot continue to raise tuition and spend more every year during this economic recession. All Departments need to find ways to tighten their belts. This ties into the second issue of funding. With tax revenues down and deteriorating conditions in the region, funding for the university will be harder to come by.
Many residents of southwest Michigan have lost their jobs and find themselves in a very different job market than when they started their careers. By keeping tuition costs down, the University can make it easier for people to afford continuing education and training for the kinds of job demands facing the state.

Doug Dern
Natural Law
Did not respond in time for publication.