Rising tuition prices, diversity and illegal immigration were just three of the topics discussed by the three candidates running for the office of governor of Virginia at a forum sponsored by Virginia21 Wednesday at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The rising price of tuition took center stage at the forum, with each candidate proposing different ways to remedy the rising costs.
"I know the people in higher ed. are used to the state as being an unreliable partner," Democratic candidate Tim Kaine said.
Kaine said, however, that he was confident the Commonwealth could work with college and university boards of visitors in order to keep tuition prices under control.
"We should build in sufficient state funding so that tuition goes up at a set rate, be it the CPI [consumer price index] or some other rate," Kaine said.
Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore said he too would work to ensure higher education is affordable. Kilgore commended the University on its new financial aid program.
"I admire what U.Va. has done going out into the private sector to raise money for AccessUVa," Kilgore said.
While Kilgore said that he did not wish to be a governor who would become embroiled in setting tuition rates each year, he would encourage schools to keep tuition affordable.
Russ Potts, a Republican running independently, agreed with Kilgore.
"I very much favor the autonomy of institutions to control their tuition," Potts said.
In addition to discussing higher education costs, the candidates also mentioned the economic benefits of a strong higher education system.
"States with strong systems of education have strong economies," Kaine said.
According to Kaine, the creation of a University in the Southside of Virginia is an example of such an economic investment because the creation of more opportunities for higher education in that area would raise its overall economic wellbeing.
"This is about expanding the pie," he said.
Kilgore, on the other hand, focused more on the economic benefits of research universities partnering with private firms.
"We should use market-based incentives and deal with the tax structure to encourage companies to locate near college campuses," he said.
The diversity of Virginia's college campuses was another issue highlighted at the forum.
"I am a strong supporter of universities and their boards of visitors in the promotion of diversity among their student body," Kaine said. "We need to make the college campuses in Virginia look more like the state of Virginia."
While all three candidates agreed on the need to expand African-American and other minority enrollment in Virginia's schools, Kilgore disagreed drastically with his opponents on the issue of allowing the children of illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition.
"I don't think it's too much to ask to ask someone to follow our rules before they ask for our benefits," he said.
Kaine, however, said the sins of fathers should not be visited upon the children.
"If a student lived in Virginia long enough, then I would consider the student an in-state student if, once they turn 18, the take active steps to regularize their citizenship," he said.
Potts pointed out that if one looks back through history, one can remember a time when many businesses bore signs stating "Italians need not apply," and he compared that to the current plight of illegal immigrants.
Read More
Senior VP for Operations Colette Sheehy looks back at her career at the University
By Brandon Kile | 0 minutes agoSheehy’s role involved overseeing the work of around 2,500 University employees, including custodians, architects and engineers.
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | 15 hours agoIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | YesterdayKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
