Gregoire answers to students

Kayla Webley
2005-04-20
The Daily

Students posed questions to Gov. Christine Gregoire on a variety of topics, from education to affirmative action to the disputed gubernatorial race, yesterday in a student forum held in Kane Hall.

Prior to the open question-and-answer period, Gregoire, the sixth Husky to become governor, urged UW students to become actively involved with their communities.

"I want to encourage you to set a high water mark. ... Get involved in public service," she said. "If you wonder whether you will make a difference, I stand here as an example. ... You can make a difference."

Gregoire said public service might give students an edge in the "tough" process of competing for jobs after graduation.

"People can come and say they are dedicated to public service, but it is one thing to say it and another to show [you've] been engaged in the community," said Gregoire. "I don't know of a good company in Washington State that doesn't serve the community."

Following a question about the quality of education in the state, Gregoire stressed the importance of funding education, naming a number of education -- funding provisions included in her budget proposal.

"When this Legislature goes home ... [the budget] will be known as an education budget," said Gregoire. "We have to be visionary about what our institutions can do."

Gregoire said she favored increasing tuition if the money goes to improving the University, as opposed to being used to fill budget holes.

"[Universities] keep the money with the idea that they are investing in the quality," said Gregoire.

Student regent Alex Bolton said the governor's concern for higher education is evident in many of her actions.

"Gregoire's proposed budget and [the student forum] show she really does care about higher education in every way," said Bolton.

Gregoire was questioned by Anthony Rose, Higher Education Coordinating Board member and president of the Black Student Union, about dead Senate Bill 5575, which would have allowed race to be used as a factor in college admissions for the first time since Initiative 200 passed in 1998.

"I'm a supporter of that bill," she said. "We need to make sure our higher education institutions represent the face of the state of Washington."

Rose said he hopes to see the governor take action to back up what she said at the forum.

"She said [she supported 5575]; we'll see if she acts upon it," said Rose.

An estimated 10 to 15 members of the UW College Republicans (UWCRs) were in attendance to voice their concern about the gubernatorial election in the state, among other issues.

"We don't think she was legitimately elected, basically because of the fact that no one in the state knows who won the election because so many dead people and felons voted," said UWCR President Nick Dayton. "Unless we revote we won't really know who won the election."

Dayton voiced his concerns by questioning Gregoire on whether her governorship can ever be legitimized without a revote.

"I'm not having any problems with my governorship," said Gregoire. "I know it is a distraction for some, but I cannot let it be a distraction. I have to stay focused and do my job. That's what the people elected me to do."