Labor Day has come and gone. Fashion rules dictate that there is no more wearing of white until Easter. Why? I have no idea. But considering that the mudslinging of the political season can now officially begin, wearing white sounds like a bad idea.
If mudslinging and other political antics are what you are seeking, check out the governor’s race in California. With Arnold and the gang making headlines out West, it might be hard to keep focus on our own gubernatorial race here in Mississippi.
To help keep us focused on state issues, let us consider just two-one that directly affects Mississippi State and one that affects our state’s capital. Look to see how each candidate addresses these issues.
Issue No. 1: What place does MSU have in the state budget?
The MSU base should know that both Barbour and Musgrove are University of Mississippi graduates. For State fans, the issue might come down to which Rebel can act more like a Bulldog. The candidates are already playing their cards wisely. Both Barbour and Musgrove made appearances at last week’s Oregon game.
Barbour was busy passing out his “Bulldogs for Barbour” bumper stickers, while Musgrove showed off his maroon golf shirt as he walked down Lee Boulevard.
However, who yells the loudest at a football game is not what is important in politics. Money is. And everyone wants to know how much he will be getting.
Money for education has been a talking point in Mississippi politics as long as Mississippi has been a poor state (which is a long time). Where candidates stand on the issue is never clear. Everyone is pro-education.
We need a governor who not only understands our monetary needs, but also will hold the university responsible for any money it does receive. Given the state’s economic situation, universities that use their funds to generate more funds should take priority over those that do not.
Where the governor stands on money for universities is especially important now, since it appears that any money for improvements at MSU will have to come from the government. The IHL board’s ruling against a student fee-a fee voted on by the students-shows that we might have to rely on the higher ups to receive any funds.
Issue No. 2: What can be done about crime in Jackson?
The citizens of Mississippi should be concerned for Jackson since it is the seat of government for the state. Jackson is no place of which to be proud. Yes, Jackson’s suburbs are continually growing-not because Jackson is a great place to be near, but because it is a great place to leave.
Jackson ranks as one of the worst cities to live in because of its crime rate. Only two types of people would dare venture downtown at night (and in certain places, during the day)-those ignorant of the danger and those committing the crimes.
Granted, the governor might not have much legal power to do anything about the situation. But as the leader of Mississippi, the governor can get things rolling. Our governor needs to be honest in his assessment of Jackson, and be willing to lead the charge in cleaning up the state capital.
Lowering the crime rate, especially in the downtown area, would help the state’s economy as well. Businesses are more willing to set up in an area where crime is low.
Crime and education are by no means new topics for politicians. But there’s a reason for that. Those issues, though not as exciting as The Terminator running for office, are important. Look to see how specific Musgrove and Barbour will be in outlining their positions on these two issues.
Michael Stewart is a senior philosophy and religion major. He can be reached at [email protected].