Re: Not much offered up to solve AU’s problems (Apr. 21, www.athabascaadvocate.com). A dismissive title in my opinion.
Any government we elect cannot magically solve our problems, but we do expect our elected representative to understand our challenges, to articulate how they will contribute to overcoming those challenges, and hopefully not add to our challenges.
The history of AU in Alberta reveals great vision and courage.
The history of the establishment of the main campus in Athabasca is a testament to the foresight of elected representatives at the time – Appleby, Lougheed et al.
AU’s problems can largely be attributed to a steady decline in funding for public post-secondary combined with a failure to apply that funding in a manner commensurate to our unique needs as an online education provider.
Many ideas and comments were brought forth by concerned citizens including AU staff, townsfolk, an AU graduate student, and a bright teenager named Ryan.
So another way to put this story is, a lot of people from all walks of life showed up at the town hall because they care about AU in Athabasca.
Candidates from the Wildrose and NDP were there and they listened.
The people we elect seem to know how to pull out all the stops to provide the best possible advantages to our energy sector to market Alberta’s energy wealth and compete internationally, it’s time we put the same commitment into making AU a global online leader.
If you share this vision, I’m voting for you.
Mike MacLean
Athabasca
