Gov. John Englers plan to allow the governor to appoint seven additional members to the boards of MSU, Wayne State University, the University of Michigan and the State Board of Education should not be adopted.
In his 11th State of the State speech Wednesday, Engler touted the states successes of the last year and outlined his agenda for the coming year. The speech included Englers plans for improving public education and technology and his proposed changes to the governances of three of Michigans universities.
Engler proposed an amendment to the state constitution to allow the governor to appoint seven additional members to the elected eight-member boards of MSU, Wayne State, U-M and the State Board of Education. The boards of 10 Michigan universities are already fully appointed by the governor.
The governor would not be allowed to appoint more than four members from one political party. If approved, the amendment would not take effect until after Englers final term ends.
Despite efforts to make the plan bipartisan, it still allows the governor to appoint more from one party, and may potentially add to a majority that may already be present in the elected board. A heavy majority may stifle essential debate on board issues.
While Englers commitment to education is admirable, his plan to allow the governor to appoint additional members to university boards should not be adopted. Engler made many good points in his speech, but some of those plans need serious consideration and reform before being implemented.