League of Women Voters of
© LWVMI Education Fund 2008
Candidates
were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75 words and were allotted 75
words to answer each question. If the
candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words, “Did
not respond in time for publication” appear under the candidate’s name.
1.
What
role should this university play in the economic development of the state of
2. Given the current economic climate, what measures will you support to make education more affordable for students and their
parents without sacrificing quality? (75
words)
3.
What
is the most important issue facing this public
university today and what is your position on that issue? (75 words)
Lisa
Bouchard, Republican
Lisa Bouchard holds a B.A. in Accounting from MSU.
Under her direction and leadership as President and CEO of Dickson Associates,
the company expanded its services and revenue grew from $500,000 to more than
$20 million annually. Inc. magazine listed the business as 85th out of
the 500 fastest growing privately held companies nationwide. Ranked 3rd amongst
the fastest growing privately held companies in
1) The research conducted by MSU will act as an
impetus to the recovery of our state’s economy. In 2007,
2) I can provide the experience needed to efficiently
manage existing resources and the vision needed to generate innovative and
resourceful solutions to the Universities’ budget crisis. My background in
business has taught me the very simple lesson that in order to have a
successful enterprise, you must keep your expenses low and you must keep your
revenue high. I will work to discover new revenue streams for the university.
3) The biggest challenge facing MSU is a lack of adequate financial
support from the state. The state of
George Scott Romney, Republican
Born and raised in
1) We must ensure that we are providing the best educational opportunities in
the world, right here in
2) I have been proud of my role in making certain that tuition is as inexpensive
as possible under the circumstances.
3) In the future I anticipate there will be tough decisions affecting: tuition;
the continuing decline in revenue from the state of Michigan (thirty years ago
the state provided 60% of our revenue, we now receive less than 40% of our
revenue from the state); replacing many of our committed professors who are
reaching retirement age; and assuring that the right people of quality and
commitment and are entrusted with the future of our youth.
Dianne Byrum,
Democrat
I am a
small business owner with more than 20 years’ experience in retail. In 2007, I started an advocacy communications
and public relations firm. I served eight years as a state Representative and
eight years as a state Senator, finishing my legislative career as the first
woman to lead a legislative caucus. I am
married, have two adult children and two grandchildren. I have a B.S. degree from MSU College of
Agriculture.
1. MSU is
one of three research universities in our state and
2. I will
focus on increasing student loan programs, increase university efficiencies in
administrative areas, and build coalitions to secure additional state funding.
Higher education funding is a major challenge for
3. MSU’s two largest challenges are: funding for higher
education, and strategic decisions to position MSU as a leader in economic
growth areas. Secure funding is critical to maintain rigorous academic programs
that prepare students for 21st century jobs. Strategic decisions made by the Board in
partnership with the state and major industries will govern MSU’s
land grant mission and influence its position as a leader in research and the
transfer of technology into the economy.
Diann Woodard, Democrat
Did
not respond in time for publication
David A. Brown, Libertarian
Did
not respond in time for publication
Joseph Rosenquist,
Libertarian
I am an
alumnus of MSU with a BS degree in mechanical engineering. I have been a
software developer for over 20 years. I currently am employed in
1.
MSU plays a critical role in the economic development of
2.
MSU has made great progress in private fundraising and growing the endowment.
That must continue. The endowment must be used to keep tuition and fee
increases to a minimum. It also can be used to provide more scholarships
to help reduce overall costs. MSU must look at outsourcing functions not
are not core, such as cleaning, maintenance, and residence hall
operations. MSU must look at cutting staff, majors and departments if
necessary.
3.
The
Robert Gale, US Taxpayers
Did
not respond in time for publication
Crystal Van Sickle, US Taxpayers
I have been
a resident of
Born and
raised on the
1. The role this university should play
in the economic development of
2. Given the current economic climate,
all non-educational expenses need to be examined to determine appropriate
measure to reduce them. Work closely
with facility and staff to integrate cost saving technologies into the daily
educational processes.
3. The most important issue facing any
university is the lack of academically prepared students coming from the public
sector. Increase enrollment standards
requiring that all students possess the necessary skills in mathematics,
reading, writing and science.
Therese Marie Storm, Green
Did
not respond in time for publication