Engineering students at UCLA have mixed feelings about
Proposition 47 ““ the largest bond in state history ““
though they will be the only students directly affected if it
passes.
The bond would give the university $25 million to fund the
construction of a new Engineering I building. The current structure
is not seismically sound and will be replaced at a cost of $50
million.
However, despite university endorsements and a systemwide e-mail
sent over the weekend, many engineering students said their
classmates are ill-informed about the bond, and some admit they
just do not know enough about it to vote.
“I just don’t know much about it, I’m in no
position to vote,” said Chris Ju, a first-year computer
science and engineering student.
Proposition 47 dedicates $13 billion to repairing educational
facilities throughout the state, from elementary school through
higher education. The University of California would receive $408
million.
University officials, including the UC Board of Regents and UC
President Richard Atkinson, have endorsed the proposition.
Chancellor Albert Carnesale has also publicly supported Proposition
47.
Unlike their non-voting peers, students who said they will be
hitting the polls today said they will be voting
“yes.”
“It’s probably the only thing I’ll be voting
for,” said Apurva Chandra, a third-year computer science and
engineering student.
For students who have had classes or discussion sections in the
dilapidated building, a “yes” vote promises future
students safer ““ and more attractive ““ classrooms.
“I’d probably vote yes,” said first-year
electrical engineering graduate student Keith Heinzelmann.
“That building definitely needed some help.”
On Friday, Michael Eicher, UCLA’s vice chancellor of
external affairs, sent an e-mail to students informing them about
the bond and its impact on UCLA.
Proponents said the bond will fund much-needed construction and
repairs throughout the state’s education system, alleviating
growth and making facilities safer.
Among the bond’s supporters are California State
University Chancellor Charles Reed, Gov. Gray Davis and Republican
gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon.
However, opponents argue that the state cannot afford such a
large bond in a fiscal year when the governor may still make
additional budget cuts.
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is among the
proposition’s most notable opponents, in addition to State
Senator William “Pete” Knight, R-Palmdale.
A Field Poll survey released Saturday suggests the proposition
is faring well. It has garnered support from 57 percent of voters
statewide.
The poll revealed 29 percent of California voters are in
opposition to the bond, while 14 percent remain undecided.
Democrats favor the proposition more heavily than do
Republicans, according to the poll.