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Governor Mitch Daniels visits campus
Melisa Cole
Issue date: 1/25/08 Section: News
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels visited campus on Thursday, Jan. 24. Daniels held an open questions and answers session in the Center for Fine Arts Recital Hall. The first term governor began his discussion by telling short stories of his travels around the state staying with families to save money, as he said, "the Presbyterian way." In his opening statement, Daniels indicated his concern that too many Indiana students leave the state after college. He said that he sees Hanover students as top notch that will be the next CEOs and VPs of major corporations such as Cummins and Eli Lilly.
The first question from a citizen of Hanover was about her worry for the security of democracy. When the woman talked about paper trails, Daniels acknowledged he was not sure about the technology.
"I understood the old technology, but I guess I understand the new technology less well," he said. However, he reassured the woman that the United States democracy was secure.
The Governor touched on the popular property tax issues. He said any additional property tax cuts would not affect the education budget. He explained to those in attendance that money loss from property tax would be made up from a one cent increase in sales tax. He added that he would like to see a property tax ceiling put into place.
Another issue was full-day kindergarten, which he supports but does not want to see as mandatory.
A couple of students questioned the use of ethanol. The Governor said he knows that the use of ethanol does have negative effects, but he sees it as "the best option for a greener America."
As the hour long discussion came to a close, Daniels took two last questions, including one from Leticia Bajuyo, associate professor of art. The concern was how the state was addressing the problem of art, music and physical education being eliminated from public classrooms and being replaced with all math and reading. Although the Governor indicated all curriculum is important, he regards math and reading of more importance to students. Bajuyo noted that other countries are far beyond the United States because of their level of creativity. Daniels responded with a quote from computer mogul, Bill Gates: "it takes creativity to make the next great computer, but you have to know how it works first."
The last question came from a student who earlier in the event asked the Governor's opinion of SJR-7, a resolution trying to be passed that would define marriage as only between one man and one woman. The governor had answered an earlier similar question by saying he did not see SJR-7 as unnecessary.
"It is already illegal and Senate Joint Resolution 7 ensures that no judge will find a way around the law," Daniels had said earlier.
The student asked another question about SJR-7.
"I consider myself pretty libertarian…marriage constitutes a special union with the purpose to create children," Daniels answered.
This final note ended the discussion and Daniels received a round of applause from the audience. He was thanked by President Sue DeWine and made his way off stage.
The first question from a citizen of Hanover was about her worry for the security of democracy. When the woman talked about paper trails, Daniels acknowledged he was not sure about the technology.
"I understood the old technology, but I guess I understand the new technology less well," he said. However, he reassured the woman that the United States democracy was secure.
The Governor touched on the popular property tax issues. He said any additional property tax cuts would not affect the education budget. He explained to those in attendance that money loss from property tax would be made up from a one cent increase in sales tax. He added that he would like to see a property tax ceiling put into place.
Another issue was full-day kindergarten, which he supports but does not want to see as mandatory.
A couple of students questioned the use of ethanol. The Governor said he knows that the use of ethanol does have negative effects, but he sees it as "the best option for a greener America."
As the hour long discussion came to a close, Daniels took two last questions, including one from Leticia Bajuyo, associate professor of art. The concern was how the state was addressing the problem of art, music and physical education being eliminated from public classrooms and being replaced with all math and reading. Although the Governor indicated all curriculum is important, he regards math and reading of more importance to students. Bajuyo noted that other countries are far beyond the United States because of their level of creativity. Daniels responded with a quote from computer mogul, Bill Gates: "it takes creativity to make the next great computer, but you have to know how it works first."
The last question came from a student who earlier in the event asked the Governor's opinion of SJR-7, a resolution trying to be passed that would define marriage as only between one man and one woman. The governor had answered an earlier similar question by saying he did not see SJR-7 as unnecessary.
"It is already illegal and Senate Joint Resolution 7 ensures that no judge will find a way around the law," Daniels had said earlier.
The student asked another question about SJR-7.
"I consider myself pretty libertarian…marriage constitutes a special union with the purpose to create children," Daniels answered.
This final note ended the discussion and Daniels received a round of applause from the audience. He was thanked by President Sue DeWine and made his way off stage.
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