Opinion
Need Solutions
By Celeste M. Descoteaux, Ashburn
[October 5, 2005] How do you solve the looming over-population crisis in public higher education in the state of Virginia? Well, if you are Del. Dick Black, your solution involves a kind of stick-your-head-in-the-sand and cause a diversion approach. One of Del. Black's "solutions" is to curtail enrollment of foreign students. He says foreign nations should "pay to educate their own students at home." There's nothing like a little jingoism to deflect attention from the real problem. But wait, there's innuendo too. He indicts the state university system with absolutely no examples or evidence of wrong-doing. Just a smear statement: "Beyond that, public universities must control runaway expenditures and operate in a more business-like fashion." And then there's Black's xenophobia: "We must end in-state tuition for illegal aliens." I'm wondering about the number of actual slots that would free up at UVA and VTech?
In contrast, the Democratic challenger for the 32nd District, Mr. David Poisson, recognizes the looming crisis and has outlined his plan in a press release entitled "Poisson Rolls Out Higher Education Plan." You can view it at his Web site: www.Poisson4delegate.com. He advocates expansion of the state's superior community college system to play an even more critical role for students who opt to pursue an associate's degree as their first step towards higher education. Oftentimes, these students must work while getting their education - his plan is for an "automatic" admission to a four-year Virginia university, once they have received their associate degree. Mr. Poisson, who himself holds a Ph.D. in education, says: "I want to guarantee students who've proven themselves capable, to be able to attend any of the state's four-year colleges to earn their bachelor's degree."
In addition, Poisson wants any unanticipated revenues in the state budget to be allocated to make up the difference between what was cut from the state higher-education budget in the years 2000 through 2004 and what was added in 2004. The shortfall is about $255 million. Beyond restoring funding, Mr. Poisson also recognizes the need to invest these dollars wisely; for instance, he advocates the elimination of duplicate programs in satellite campuses. Actions speak much louder than words. Del. Black, in the course of his seven years in the Virginia state legislature, has had ample opportunity to move on this issue; instead, he's just paid it lip-service, laced with jingoism. Mr. David Poisson has made it clear that this will be a priority for his first term in office. I think it's time for someone else to step up to the plate. In my opinion, Poisson will knock this issue "clear outta the park."
[Originally published in Loudoun Connection, October 5, 2005]
- extreme. ineffective. dick black.