Engler forgets his support of term limits, wavers on too many key issues

Earlier this summer, Gov. John Engler completed a 10-day, 39-city tour entitled "Michigan First in the 21st Century Bus Tour." With this tour, Engler officially began his campaign to become Michigan's governor for a third term.

Engler's decision to seek the governor's position contradicts a promise he made eight years ago to serve only two terms. For a political figure to maintain his or her integrity, it is important that he or she follow through on campaign commitments. Engler's latest change of mind illustrates the lack of integrity that prevents him from being a commendable governor.

Knowing the distaste people have had to third terms since the days of George Washington, Engler's campaign looks upon his third term as necessary to continue the reforms he brought about in his previous terms.

Engler sees his first term as used primarily to get the state back on track from the disarray left over from Gov. Jim Blanchard's era in office. The campaign portrays Engler's second term as a period of reform.

FILE PHOTO Michigan governor John Engler has decided to run for a third term, despite his promises that he would not campaign after completing two terms.

In making his promise of eight years ago, Engler himself must have felt that politicians lose at least some of their effectiveness after serving two terms in office.

Campaigns focusing on career politicians are not an uncommon tactic, especially against incumbents. But a politician making claims that term limits are a necessity for government to function optimally should believe in his or her own message. With his newly inaugurated campaign, Engler apparently does not.

Also puzzling is the inclusion in the state Constitution, passed in 1996, of a provision limiting governors to two terms that will take effect after Engler leaves office.

Engler supported the Constitution, so his rejection of an issue he recently advocated is all the more unsettling.

A lack of support for issues he loudly champions is nothing new. Education is a priority Engler often remarks on, speaking of his desire for the state of Michigan to develop the best schools in the country.

While he talks about helping schools, Engler shows a generally unfriendly attitude towards Michigan's educational systems. Schools not meeting expectations on standardized tests do not rouse support from Engler, and have met with threats of decreased funding. Such a response is baffling, as a faltering school would only be hurt more when faced with less money.

Another recent showing of Engler's backing out on education is his 1.5-percent increase in funding to the University. This increase is way down from the levels of previous years.

The result will be felt heavily by the University, and will result in larger increases in tuition than in past years. Higher education is a necessity to produce the skilled workers needed in the 21st Century, and Engler's stingy distribution of funding demonstrates an inability to properly recognize the steps needed for the state to be competitive with others across the country.

Engler's flip-flops on key issues demonstrate a lack of personal integrity. One with integrity knows the values for which he or she stands, and does not waver from them. Engler does not possess this quality so crucial for public servants.

09-08-98