Friday, March 29, 2024

SN endorses:

Gonzales and Romney should continue MSU trusteeships

Democrat Dorothy Gonzales and Republican Scott Romney have the energy and experience to be efficient members of MSU’s Board of Trustees.

Voters should elect both incumbents on Nov. 7.

Republican Connie Binsfeld and Democrat Cal Rapson also are vying for a spot on the board, but Gonzales and Romney are the more qualified candidates.

Incumbent Gonzales has a bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. She has served on the board since 1993 and during this time, she has been an ardent advocate for the best interests of MSU.

Gonzales is active on campus and, if elected, would continue to be accessible to students and involved in the MSU community. She is a resident of East Lansing and will take a hands-on approach to the trustee position.

Gonzales has a strong grasp of the issues that MSU will face in the future, such as the protection of the tuition guarantee and narrowing the state funding gap. She has fresh and specific ideas about how to improve the university. She also supports keeping board meetings open to the public and understands that open meetings are essential to give the community a voice in the administration.

Incumbent Romney was appointed to the board by Gov. John Engler in August upon the resignation of Trustee Bob Traxler. While Romney has only served on the board for a few months, he has gained the knowledge necessary to be an effective trustee.

Romney earned his bachelor’s degree from MSU and his law degree from Harvard Law School. If elected, Romney would use his term on the board to make a contribution to the university he attended as an undergraduate.

Romney also has great knowledge of issues he would deal with as a board member. He has the necessary legislative connections and skills to effectively lobby to close the state funding gap for MSU. He strongly supports sustaining the tuition guarantee and improving faculty salaries.

Both Gonzales and Romney have the passion and respect for public service.

Rapson, UAW Region 1C director, is too partisan. Party loyalty should not be brought to the table in a board whose purpose is to improve the university. He brings the same enthusiasm and passion for MSU as Gonzales and Romney. However, he is the only candidate who does not want to limit enrollment below 45,000.

Binsfeld, a former Michigan lieutenant governor, does not have a strong handle on MSU or the problems facing it. While she may have a wealth of political experience, she has not been active in the MSU community and has not shown she would be accessible to students and faculty. She is the only candidate not strongly committed to open meetings.

Gonzales and Romney have both served on the Board of Trustees in the past and would be the right choice for the university.

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