As the race for Pennsylvania governor comes to a head today, several members of the Penn State community have questioned how much focus the candidates have placed on key student issues.
Rising tuition and the overall increasing costs of higher education -- topics that have caused a large amount of discussion among the student population at Penn State -- have garnered some attention from the gubernatorial candidates in their platforms.
However, many students feel these matters have taken a backseat to other issues, such as gun control, public education and the stagnant economy. The result, some say, is the feeling that students are being ignored by legislators who appear indifferent to their concerns.
"I definitely think there's not a great deal placed on [tuition and higher education]. It's simply not as palatable to the public," said Dave Kowalski, College Republicans vice chairman.
"[The candidates] think they know it's an important issue, but they don't really talk about it with the media or mention it in their television ads," said JoAnna Hughes, College Democrats vice president. "As far as tuition is concerned, I'm sure every candidate would want to lower tuition."
There may be reason for the candidates' perceived lack of interest in tuition and higher education, said Michael Berkman, professor of political science.
"My sense is this is not an issue that they would spend a lot of time on," he said. "Usually campaigns are geared towards people who vote, like the elderly and those concerned with property taxes and the economy, and students don't fall under that category."
Students aggravate the current tuition situation by their decided lack of action during election periods, Kowalski said.
"Of course, students not voting basically labels themselves as a group that doesn't care in general. The candidates realize they're not going to get much of a return on their investment," he said.
The candidates came to Penn State in late September and discussed several issues -- including tuition and higher education -- in a debate that took place in Eisenhower Auditorium.
Democrat Ed Rendell and Republican Mike Fisher identified the wide array of private and public colleges in Pennsylvania as possible outlets to boost economic development in the state. Once the state's overall economy improves, state subsidies can increase and tuition will gradually lower.
Meanwhile, Green Party candidate Mike Morrill said the solution to funding education should be to make it free at all levels. Libertarian Ken Krawchuk has called for the end of the state's "monopoly" on kindergarten through 12th grade education. Once this is accomplished, he said choices in higher education will increase and prices will drop.
Penn State's administration has facilitated several discussions with the candidates, most notably concerning skyrocketing tuition rates. No specific concessions have been established between the school and the candidates, but the talks remained positive, said university spokesman Bill Mahon.
"We've tried to do the best to let them know about Penn State's unique under-funded situation," he said.
For 2000-01, Penn State received $3,460 per student in state appropriations. In comparison, Temple University received $6,230 per student and the University of Pittsburgh received $5,030.
