Failure To Communicate
Rep. Scott Suder, a frequent and harsh critic of the UW System, didn't miss an opportunity to grill Reilly and Walsh today, questioning them on topics ranging from in-state tuition for "illegal immigrants" to the decision to remove faculty salary information from the Internet.
Suder, a Republican from Abbotsford, asked whether the officials had a cost estimate for Gov. Doyle's budget proposal to make in-state tuition available to undocumented individuals. Reilly and Walsh said they didn't have a figure, but after prompting from Suder said they approved of the policy.
"I'm glad UW administration is on record supporting that (tuition breaks for illegal immigrants)" Suder said. Reilly and Walsh argued that Suder was misrepresenting the policy, which requires students graduate from a state high school and are working toward citizenship, but Suder retorted, "You can spin it any way you want to."
When Reilly said the salary information for faculty was removed from a UW Web site because it provided an easy way for competing universities to recruit faculty out of the system, Suder asked for three examples of that happening.
"There's never been a question we lose star faculty to people who pay more," Walsh answered.
"I don't think it should be secret," said Suder.
Reily said the information is available on cd for any one who inquires. "Yeah, that's great," said Suder, adding that his constituents shouldn't have to go that step to determine how much taxpayer money is being spent on faculty salary.
Suder then delved into other personnel matters. "Does the housekeeper at the UW President's residence still have a backup position?" he asked. Reilly said that backup position has been eliminated. "I give you kudos for that," said Suder.
"Does the UW System currently employ felons?" he asked.
"Did you say felons?" Walsh asked. "There are no felons," he answered, before backtracking to say there are criminal background checks for new hires but the system has 31,000 employees and state statutes limit how employers can deal with employees with past criminal records.
Suder said the system "has made some progress" toward reform "but from my perspective certainly not enough." He cited the "scandals, spending sprees and other less than productive items" the system has faced in recent years. "It's difficult to go back to my constituents and say why on earth we should give more money to the administration."
Walsh said he would take Suder's criticism as constructive, but jabbed back that Suder hasn't responded to "six phone calls or letters" the administration has sent him to sit down and hash out the issues. "You've got to answer those phone calls first," Walsh said.
Suder said the university contacts have been answered, and said the lack of dialogue between the university and Legislature is a part of the problem. "Your communications with this Legislature have been somewhat critical at times," he said.
Reilly responded that the system's "Growth Agenda" is not about getting more money for UW administration, it's about getting more students into the system. He offered to come to Suder's district to meet with constituents and answer questions. "Let me have an opportunity to talk to your constituents and you," he said.
