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The constitutional amendment — As of this writing, Thursday morning,
I have yet to hear of state Assembly action on the so-called Taxpayer Protection
Amendment. I appreciate that many campus and community friends and local
elected representatives have joined in questioning this initiative, and
I believe their involvement over the last month has made a difference. As
you’ve heard me say before, TPA (TABOR II) would bring devastating
consequences for the UW and this campus at the very time demand for our
services has never been higher, and we are (rightfully) looked to as an
engine of growth and economic recovery. We join with those who advocate
careful stewardship of state tax dollars, but a constitutional amendment
is questionable public policy. Proponents talk “caps” and “cuts”
to trim supposed fat, but experience elsewhere shows a formula will inexorably
become a meat cleaver, chopping indiscriminately until core strengths are
amputated. In Oregon, I witnessed the dismantling first-hand. After years
of formula-induced decline, Oregon was left with the highest unemployment
rates in the country. I coined the term “policide.” The state
killed itself.
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It’s time for a cookout — Tuesday, May 9th, is the annual
gathering at which faculty and staff get to decide whether we administrative
types have any ability... as barbecue chefs. Certainly the highlight is
recognition of recently retired or soon-to-be-retired colleagues. Currently,
the list includes Ann Deprey, Ken Fleurant, the late Tony Galt, Janet
McNeil, Mary Naumann, Gil Null, Robert Ratajczak, Barb Troedel, Maureen
Vaessen, Lylas Dequaine, Sharon Gegere, Duane Kelsey, Randy Monette, Dennis
Nellis, Ken Peterson, Barbara and Les Raduenz, Carl Shakal, Chuck Wiseman
and David Zeeman. The cookout is one small way we celebrate a sense of
community, and show appreciation for the dedicated faculty and staff who
make UW-Green Bay such a dynamic institution. |
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