Inside Mesa

I can’t believe the attack, the "tug of war" as the Tribune’s headlines say on higher education - on ASU Polytechnic’s expansion. What does Senator Gould, R-Lake Havasu City know about Mesa, the surrounding community and the needs to be met? ASUP is an intrigual part of Mesa’s economic growth AND the rest of the valley!Gould says "This only benefits professors and Michael Crow’s empire-building" (ASU’s President), also commenting everyone is "trying to push their pork through". Hog wash. Sounds like Lake Havasu would like to have this opportunity.Representative Gary Pierce, R-Mesa, majority whip in the House agrees with East Valley business and political leaders that realize the campus will play a huge role in the community and in economic development of the area. House Speaker Pro Tem Bob Robson, R-Chandler, says "this is as important for the state as financing a road or a freeway". Robson can see the big picture, listen to him. Representative Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert is holding back to wait and see - let it go Biggs, ASU is not going to fail.This reminds me of ASU West as it was beginning. It started at the grassroots, those that had a vision, it took years because there were those that worried, cautious about the idea, afraid to move ahead, the legislature struggled before it was behind it and finally included in the budget to get started. Just like ASU Polytechnic, those outside the university are unbelievers struggling because they do not see the growth and potential just waiting to happen; it fact some of my colleagues are working at ASUP that I worked with at ASUW and ASU. They know what they are doing. The first building went up at ASUW, Fletcher Library (libraries are important), then 4 buildings went up all at the same time. Just like ASUP, seeing the need for 3 buildings, they need to go up now. ASUW became the much longed for university in the west valley; at first offering upper level and graduate programs, then another spell wondering if it should become a 4 year university, it did. The not so long past is today a great success. We can learn from this.ASU Polytechnic has all the earmarks of continued success, a real need is here now, it will serve the masses. The population growth that is pouring into the southeast valley are families that are and will continue to take advantage of the innovative classes and programs - just as the 5,000 students currently there. In this innovative world with new technology emerging faster than we can keep up with, the programs and offerings are a must. Everyone will benefit, the surrounding cities, and those communities even further away will come because of ASU Polytechnic and their unique programs, now offering 33 including : golf course management, agribusiness, aviation-related programs, university center for real estate, and various technology programs.Governor Napolitano supports and appears to be dedicated to education. I like the idea of an all day kindergarden, why not insist on giving those same students with eager minds the same opportunity to earn a degree from a nearby university? I hope there is no bargaining over education - the needs at ASUP - it would make me wonder if education is really all that important.