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Volume 40, Issue 5
October 29, 2002
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Education at heart of debate
By Ian Schwartz
For the Mesa Legend
Photo Courtesy of Mark Goldstien
Gubernatorial candidates Matt Salmon (left) and Dick Mahoney faced off
Oct. 17 in the Navajo Room of the Kirk Center. Candidates Janet Napolitano
and Barry Hess did not appear.
The smell of democracy was in the air Oct. 17, as Mesa Community College
hosted a gubernatorial forum and breakfast in the Navajo Room.
With the Nov. 5 elections close-at-hand, candidates came to discuss and
voice their ideas to the public.
The large turn out from educators, supporters, and administrators brought
the Navajo Room to its capacity.
The debate was sponsored by the East Valley Partnership, (EVP), Arizona
Telecommunications & Information Council, (ATIC), and the Salt River
Project Political Involvement Committee, (SRP, PIC).
Four candidates were scheduled to debate although only two made the early
morning event.
The candidates present were Republican Matt Salmon and Independent Richard
Mahoney.
Democrat Janet Napolitano was represented by Mike Newcomb due to prior
engagements she had in Tucson.
Libertarian candidate Barry Hess was also unavailable due to car trouble.
The morning was started with a welcoming note by MCC President Larry Christiansen.
John Kelly from the ATIC, Chuck Backus from EVP, and Gena Trimble with
SRP PIC made up the panel.
Richard de Uriarte, former Arizona Republic Editorial writer of 30 years,
was the moderator.
Newcomb spoke briefly about some of Napalitano's views, such as her dedication
to education and Arizona's budget problems.
NewComb stated that Napalitano "has posted new ideas on her website"
and "a budget proposal as well."
The panel then asked a series of pre-selected questions to the two candidates
present.
The big issues that were brought to the table dealt with the $1 billion
deficit, (estimated for Arizona in 2004), poor educational standards,
water usage, and employment in Arizona.
One issue of solving our budget crisis brought both candidates to have
somewhat similar ideas.
Richard Mahoney's idea discussed how Arizona must get rid of the business
property tax, which is currently at 6.97 percent.
Mahoney feels that lowering this would bring more business to the valley,
spurring economic growth.
"Deep cuts need to be made," said Mahoney, "we have identified
$500 million in cuts."
According to Mahoney there is too much excess spending in this state;
currently 121 sales tax exemptions, 47 which Mahoney feels should be closed.
Salmon agreed on many points with Mahoney mainly in the area of property
taxes.
"I will not raise taxes," said Salmon.
According to an article published by the Arizona Republic, Arizona is
one of the most poorly funded states in regards to education, with 7 out
of 10 phoenix schools under performing and 227 statewide.
Arizona is one of the most poorly funded states in regards to education.
It was no surprise this issue came into discussion during the forum.
Salmon suggested more efficiency when allocating dollars to school districts
suggesting community colleges and universities to work together more.
He also showed interest in the idea of mixing public and private entities
in regard to higher education.
According to Salmon this will help bring more money into the universities.
Mahoney shared the same ideas as Salmon insisting that next year higher
education is going to "starve."
As with Salmon, Mahoney has interest in commercializing universities,
hoping to bring about patents, which in turn bring in revenue.
Mahoney proposed an idea of awarding Arizona university scholarships to
any Arizona high school senior with a "B" average or better.
The money for these scholarships will come from the closing of tax loop
holes, which is said to generate millions of dollars.
These two issues are on the forefront of the Nov. elections.
When Mahoney and Salmon finished answering the panel's inquiries, the
audience was then able to question the two candidates.
Some of these questions pertained to casinos, the marijuana proposition
203, mass transit and the AIMS test.
Commenting on the success of the Forum candidate Richard Mahoney said,
"I enjoyed it, a nice crowd and format, with direct questions."
The debate ended at 9:50a.m. with a small crowd gathering to meet and
greet the candidates.
"It went great, I enjoy MCC; I went here and so did my kids."
said Matt Salmon when asked about the debate.
ASMCC president Art Betancourt was on hand as well.
"This was the best one that I have attended, though I wish there
was more of a student interest."
Video and Audio of the debate will be available Oct. 21 at the ATIC website.
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