The Griffin: volume 66, issue 09 - Nov. 17, 1995

              Hardwick, a Republican, ran on the platform that things needed to be done differently. One important example he cited was the charter for Tonawanda. As a member of the Charter Revision Commission, he saw firsthand what changes needed to be made so that the town could operate more efficiently. The new charter, which was handily approved by voters, addressed the fact that Tonawanda didn't vote on their budget until February or March, when in fact the fiscal year started in January. As Alderman, he hopes to be able to address other important inefficiencies within Tonawanda. Hardwick also noted a vicious cycle that has been seen on a larger scale in Hardwick decided to seek election because he believed that the city needed some improvements and he considered himself "in a good position to help." After three weeks of intense campaigning, during which his extensive campaign plan could only be partially carried out, he found himself back in office.Eight years and ten months was long enough. Dr. Kevin Hardwick, professor of political science, was poised to reenter the political arena. His successful return to politics was realized on Nov. 7 when he won his race for Alderman in the City of Tonawanda. After sitting on the sideline for almost nine years, he indicated that this is not an isolated run, but only one of many more to come on the local level. Under current proposals, the position of Alderman would become even more of a part-time job than it is now as power would shift from the Council to the Mayor, who maintains a full-time see Alderman page 2 Hardwick believes that the office of Alderman will not pose a burden to his full-time job as professor, but will in fact enhance his teaching. He will be able to provide new examples to illustrate the principles that he teaches, and he predicts that his election victory will only serve to energize his course." It has been suggested in recent years that American voters are apathetic. Hardwick disagrees with this assessment, especially after having the opportunity to meet many voters face-toface. He commented that "people do care, but they just don't have the time." He continued, "I was amazed at the ideas and concerns that they had." cities such as Buffalo and New York. A decaying infrastructure has caused people to leave the city, which eroded the tax base and in turn led to reduced services, poorer infrastructure, etc. Hardwick recognized the presence of this cycle in Tonawanda and wanted to make sure that the city remained a nice place to live. Dr. Kevin Hardwick, assistant professor of political science, was elected as an Alderman in the Town of Tonawanda in the Nov. 7 election. Photo by CHR1STIN TANK The moveable mud mansion (see page 2) The do's and don'ts of dining (see page 6) Shooting hoops season. .. (see insert) Congressman John LaFalce ponders as Secretary of Education speaks on the present and future of American education during his visit on Friday, Nov. 10. Photo by ASHLEY DORCELY by Dave Colvin Griffin News Reporter VOLUME LXVI, NUMBER 9 Guest lecture discusses future of American education United, States Secretary of Education visited Canisius last Friday FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1995 Riley indicated that the new Congress wishes to cut education expenses by 17 percent to meet its goal for the recent "Balanced Budget" amendment. He stated that the American education system has reached a "crossroads" and the time has come to make a decision, face responsibility and "...stop those members in Congress that wish to make a mockery of education." see Education page 2 He went on to say that, because of this, government, Congress and the President must be united, with no party divisions. In Congress, apparently this wasn't a problem until this now. "Education has always been bi-partisan. We bicker over the years about a lot of things, but when it came to education, the Republicans and the Democrats have always come together...but with this new group in Congress, it is a very different game altogether." Finances and family backing in education became Riley's next point. He stated that these two subjects are important to the success of tomorrow's students. "Seventy percent of all college students receive aid in some form from the federal government." Riley stressed that preparation for college begins in the first grade. "We have entered the 'Education Age'." he said. "We must concern ourselves with raising standards and havingyoungpeople realize that we've got to notch up education." On Nov. 10, 1995, Secretary of Education of the United States Richard Riley spoke to a full audience at fhe Grupp Fireside Lounge. The content of his speech centered on the present and future of education in the United States. The audience consisted mostly of primary and secondary education officials, teachers, administrators and district officials. Also in attendance were Canisius staff and faculty, as well as concerned members of the community.Riley started with a summation of his opinion of the current higher education system in America. He stated "We have the most wonderful higher education system in the world. What a shame that, with hundreds of international students flocking to the United States every year, that American students sometimes don't get those same opportunities." Riley was presented by Congressman John LaFalce of the United States House of Representatives, a Canisius alumnus and member of the Canisius College Board of Trustees. LaFalce introduced Riley as "the man that, as governor of South Carolina, transformed its educational system, and the man that has been entrusted by President Clinton to transform and streamline the United States educational system." Canisius professor enters world of politics by Ben Krass Griffin News Reporter