Power outage

Philip Power worked tirelessly for the 'U'

On Nov. 3, Michigan state citizens voted to oust University Regent Philip Power (D-Ann Arbor) from the seat he had occupied in the Fleming Administration Building for 11 years. After such a long tenure on the University Board of Regents, Power has had the opportunity to influence thousands of students' lives and help shape the direction of the University's development. Not only is his departure detrimental for the board's institutional knowledge, but his history of working with students for student concerns will be missed.

Power's father, Eugene, was elected in 1953 and served on the board for 10 years. Philip Power first took a seat on the board after the death of his wife, Sarah, who was five years into her term. Then-Gov. James Blanchard appointed Power to take the empty seat. In 1990, Power ran for re-election and dominated the regents' race, in contrast to this year's election when he took only 22 percent of the vote.

As an alumnus of the University, Power has had a unique perspective on administrative decisions. Among his most notable work has been increasing the University's use of technology transfer to bring in additional money into the University's coffers. Doing so helped reduce the need for the University to make huge tuition increases. While Homer Neal was interim president, Power took the initiative to rewrite part of the Regents' Bylaws to make it easier for professors to sell their intellectual property - benefiting both the faculty and the University as a whole. Regent-elect Kathy White stressed the importance of technology transfer during an endorsement interview with The Michigan Daily; Power's work in this area will only help future administrative efforts.

Another of Power's greatest attributes, especially over the latter part of his tenure, has been his accessibility. He lives in Ann Arbor and thus can be called on to take on additional duties more easily. His strong relationship with students is unique, especially since the state's regents elections make the students' impact on the decision as to who will control many aspects of their lives incredibly insignificant.

Despite his strengths, Power has occasionally met with controversy during his days as regent. Relatively soon after his appointment, Power voted in favor of deputizing the Department of Public Safety, bringing him head to head with students. In addition, he has been party to the regents' decisions to instate both the Code of Student Conduct and its predecessor, the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. These controversies mar, to some degree, his otherwise very pro-student record.

Given his broad experience at the University - as a student and a regent - Power should remain a part of the University community. Since the last two elections have taken many experienced members of the board of regents, Power's continued contributions would be helpful. His participation on University committees and using his experience with the state Legislature to lobby on behalf of the University would make his contribution to campus an on-going project.

Power and his family have left quite an impression on the University's campus. His dedication to making it a better place, despite some bumps along the way, is admirable and should serve as an example to future board members and administrators.

11-30-98