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Show THE CAMPUS Candidates say no SUV-Dixie merger planned By GLENN HALTERMAN SENIOR STAFF WRITER Contrary to speculation by some, neither Republican gubernatorial candidate , the incumbent Mike Leavitt nor his Democratic challenger Jim Bradley are considering an immediate Jllerger of SUU and Dixie College. At least, that's what each is saying during the cl996 campaign. The future of the two institutions as well as positions on tax cuts and President Clinton's recent monument designation were among the points of discussion in a debate held Thursday in the Cox Auditorium on the camp us of Dixie College. Even the governor himself was approached prior to the debate by an individual who " had it on good authority" that Leavitt was planning to announce his intentions to begin the process of forming a union of the two schools. Leavitt quelled fears of many and perhaps disappointed others on the matter of uniting the schools saying, " I do not at th is time support the merger of the two, but I do support a much closer working relationship between Dixie College and SUU." Bradley, who seemed to be more open to the idea said, " I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a m erger." " I believe that the people of St. George deserve a fou r-year institution," Bradley continued. "The question is singly one of timing and affordability." Leavitt focused most of his two-minute response on a so-called virtual uni versity, the Western Governors University (see story below). He emphasized that WGU, which would allow individuals to access college instruction via the Internet, satellites, and other electronic means, would not be a replacement for SUU. Bradley, on the other hand, cited the capital investment associated with the univers.i ty as a drawback as well as the lack of interaction between students and teachers. Leavitt countered by saying, "It will cost about $15 million to put the Western Governors University on- line. This will go throughout 14 states." " I want to be part of the future," Leavitt said, "I want to be part of the information age." The issue of the recent monum ent designation in southern Utah by President Clinton elicited the most energy fro m the crowd of approximately 400 who watched the hour-long debate. After speaking of his love for the land and its beauty, Leavitt said, "Our country was constructed so as to not give an yone unilateral authority." Then, referring to the process by which the designation was made without local input, he said, "It was an affront to the people of Utah." At that, most of the apparently pro-Leavitt crowd rose its feet and responded with a standing ovation. "Now I know what my answer should be, " joked Bradley. Bradley told the audience that he did not disagree with the decision of President Clinton to form the monument, but added, " I don't like the way he did it." Leavitt also pointed out that the main issue was not the Andalex mining company, but rather the use of executive power. "It is still possible to make something good from this, " Leavitt said. Bradley also seemed to remain optimistic as he expressed his support of land trades for the school trust lands to offset the potential loss of revenue stem m ing from the monument designation. Another question put to the candidates asked whether taxes should be cut or spending increased during years in which the state has a surplus of revenue. Bradley explained that Utah is now experiencing unprecedented economic prosperity. "This is th~ best it gets," he said. " We ough t to be making some investments in our in frastructure while we can." Leavitt concurred that a major part should be used for capital investments. However, he also said, "When you have taken care of the needs of government cutting taxes is not a temptation, it's a responsibility. The money belongs to the people." Bradley emphasized in h is rebuttal that some social programs like "Meals on Wheels" have been recently cut back. "We have som e needs that are still going unmet," he said. Leavitt says California's move confirms online university idea SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - California's decision to create its own on line school is confirmation that a regional virtual university is a solid concept, said Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt. California Gov. Pete Wilson informed the Western Governors Association Wednesday that his state will set up its own virtual university rather than join efforts of 13 other states. Leavitt said the decision will not hurt the Western Governors University, tne name used for the virtual system now in the planning stages. " The significant thing is they are going to proceed in this direction, and it has come as a result of the act ions that we have ta ken," Leavitt said. "I hope others will, too. I believe we're pushing the envelope in higher education. " Ultimately, Leavitt said, all the online universities will be linked together. Leavitt and Colorado Gov. Roy Romer first proposed a virtual university last November. T he system will use the Internet, satellites, televisions, computer software, videotapes and other electronic methods to deliver courses to students throughout the West. The university is seen as a key method of addressing needs of nontraditional and rural students, as well as businesses that want employees with specific job training. Thirteen of the 18 states in the Western Governors Association have agreed to participate in development of a regional virtual university. In addition to Utah, the states are: Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, N evada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Each state is shelling out $ 100,000 to get the university going. The association expects to raise a significant portion of the $6 m illion to $10 mill ion needed to start up the university from the private sector. Besides California, fo ur other states and three Pacific islands have not signed on as backers of the regional school: Alaska, South Dakota, Kansas, Texas, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. "The success of the Western Governors University doesn't hinge on any one state," said Karen Deike, spokeswoman for the Western Governors Association. Organizers are now developing business and startup plans for the university and putting together a "smart" catalog of course offerings. A progress report will be given at an association m eeting in San Antonio in November. The university is scheduled to begin operating in June 1997. In a letter to the association, Wilson said that California already has an extensive distance learning system. More than 14,500 students are enrolled in courses delivered via technology through the California State University system. "Every·campus in the University of California, either through its regular or extension program, offers online instruction," Wilson said. OL CUTS r I I , -------------20% OFF ANY HAIR CARE PRODUCT I I : W/ EVERY CUT, COLOR, OR PERM : L--------------.J HAIR CUT $6.50 COLOR·s AND PERMS $29.95, & UP 919 S. MAIN IN THE ALBERTSONS SHOPPING CENTER 865-7228 M-F 9-8 SAT 8-7 |