Prop. 143: Upgrade College Buildings

Californians face many important issues on Nov. 6, including the election of a new governor, possible tax increases and complex environmental legislation. Justifiably, much attention has been given to these issues in the media and other public forums.

But voters should be aware of another issue on the ballot, one that is not likely to draw headlines but that is no less important to Californians and their future.

Proposition 143, the Higher Education Facilities Bond Act, is the second of a two-part, $450-million general obligation bond. The bond will help finance construction and upgrade facilities, including improving earthquake safety, at the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges. The first part of the measure was approved by voters in June, with the passage of Proposition 121.

In the face of statewide enrollment increases in public higher education, these funds are essential if future generations of Californians are to receive the same quality instruction given to generations past.

Among the Orange County projects that would be supported are construction of a new social sciences building at UCI, designs for a library addition at Cal State Fullerton and construction of a vocational technology building at Orange Coast College, just to name a few.

A nonpartisan issue, Proposition 143 is supported by both the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor, the California Teachers Assn., California State Employees Assn., California State Student Assn., California League of Community Colleges and the UC Board of Regents.

J.W. PELTASON, Chancellor, UC Irvine